Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

• 2,467 persons received Latvian citizenship trough naturalisation in 2011
• Riga Ukrainian secondary school opens after renovation
• Head of the Constitutional Court Gunars Kutris: it is possible that the referendum will be delayed
• MP, lawyer Andrejs Judins: referendum contradicts spirit of the Constitution but there is no legal mechanism to prevent such initiatives

According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, 2,467 persons received Latvian citizenship trough naturalisation in 2011. This is 5% more than in 2010. In total, 137,600 persons received Latvian citizenship since the start of naturalisation process in 1995.

According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, 2,467 persons received Latvian citizenship trough naturalisation in 2011. This is 5% more than in 2010. In total, 137,600 persons received Latvian citizenship since the start of naturalisation process in 1995. Telegraf, Chas

Newspapers report about the opening of Riga Ukrainian secondary school after renovation. Latvian and Ukrainian high officials, including the President of Latvia Andris Berzins, the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs and the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantin Grishenko attended the ceremonial event. The Minister Grishenko stated that renovation of the school is an example of the care of Latvia about ethnic minorities.

Newspapers report about the opening of Riga Ukrainian secondary school after renovation. Latvian and Ukrainian high officials, including the President of Latvia Andris Berzins, the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs and the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantin Grishenko attended the ceremonial event. The Minister Grishenko stated that renovation of the school is an example of the care of Latvia about ethnic minorities. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Latvijas Avize

The head of the Constitutional Court Gunars Kutris in an interview with a TV channel TV3 stated that it is possible that the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia will be delayed until the Court’s decision. The Court might take the decision on the referendum after seven – eight months. As reported, 30 MPs submitted a claim to the Constitutional Court asking to evaluate whether the national referendum on such issues complies with the Constitution.

The head of the Constitutional Court Gunars Kutris in an interview with a TV channel TV3 stated that it is possible that the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia will be delayed until the Courts decision. The Court might take the decision on the referendum after seven – eight months. As reported, 30 MPs submitted a claim to the Constitutional Court asking to evaluate whether the national referendum on such issues complies with the Constitution. Diena

MP, lawyer Andrejs Judins (the Unity) believes that the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia contradicts the spirit of the Constitution, however, the procedure for initiation of the referendum got conducted in a legally correct way and it can not be abolished. The MP believes if the Constitutional Courts takes decision to delay the referendum it will increase ethnic tensions. Andrejs Judins considers that there should be a mechanism to prevent infringement on the constitutional foundations of the state, however there are no such mechanisms yet in Latvia.

MP, lawyer Andrejs Judins (the Unity) believes that the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia contradicts the spirit of the Constitution, however, the procedure for initiation of the referendum got conducted in a legally correct way and it can not be abolished. The MP believes if the Constitutional Courts takes decision to delay the referendum it will increase ethnic tensions. Andrejs Judins considers that there should be a mechanism to prevent infringement on the constitutional foundations of the state, however there are no such mechanisms yet in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya