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.

• Representative of NGO Native Language: referendum in the beginning of the revival of ethnic Russian residents

A representative of the Zatler’s Reforms Part Viktors Makarovs at a discussion on inter-ethnic relations organised by news agency LETA stated that on 19 February – the next day after the referendum – residents who do not support introduction of the second state language will wake up with the sense of satisfaction. Those residents, who supported the initiative, in their turn, will be disappointed in their leaders who asserted that it is possible to achieve something.  Representative of the Russian NGO “Native Language” Illarions Girs, in his turn, stated that up-coming referendum is only beginning of the revival of ethnic Russian residents. According to Mr. Girs the referendum does not promote split of the society because the society is already split. As reported, the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia will be conducted on 18 February.

A representative of the Zatlers Reforms Part Viktors Makarovs at a discussion on inter-ethnic relations organised by news agency LETA stated that on 19 February – the next day after the referendum – residents who do not support introduction of the second state language will wake up with the sense of satisfaction. Those residents, who supported the initiative, in their turn, will be disappointed in their leaders who asserted that it is possible to achieve something. Representative of the Russian NGO Native Language Illarions Girs, in his turn, stated that up-coming referendum is only beginning of the revival of ethnic Russian residents. According to Mr. Girs the referendum does not promote split of the society because the society is already split. As reported, the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia will be conducted on 18 February. Chas