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.

• Government granted LVL 203,500 for implementation of the society consolidation action plan
• Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs: naturalisation procedure is simple
• State Language Agency prepares Latvian language learning TV-lessons for children

The government granted LVL 203,500 for implementation of the action plan on consolidation of the society, strengthening of national identity and state language positions in 2012. According the working group which elaborated the proposals for the program and the Prime Minister’s advisor on integration issues Sarmite Elerte, the action plan needs at least LVL 700,000 more. According to Mrs Elerte, the main directions of activities which have to be implemented are: intensive Latvian language courses for Latgale region and for Latvian children living abroad; strengthening of ethnic minorities NGOs capacity; and explanation of Latvian history, constitutional basis and essence of national state’s political system in minority and Latvian language schools. Latvijas Avize, Diena, Vesti Segodnya

The Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs (Concord Centre) believes that the naturalisation procedure is simple, but at the same time it is not quite just. But no matter what is the procedure, Mr Usakovs believes that non-citizens should naturalise because without Latvian citizenship and voting rights they can only complaint about the unjust situation. Vesti Segodnya

The State Language Agency in co-operation with TV company “LNT” prepares Latvian language learning TV-lessons for children and their families. It is envisaged that the series will be based on popular local Russian speaking muppet show character “Tofik” originally developed for children by an artist in Riga several years ago. The broadcasts will start in June on a mostly Russian language TV channel “TV5”. Chas