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.

Press Review

In an interview for

In an interview for "DIENA" President Ulmanis touched upon several aspects of Latvian domestic and foreign policies. The President believes security guarantees recently proposed by Russia to mark the beginning of "a long process" that may result in more profound proposals. Mr. Ulmanis said that he was analyzing possible ways of integrating Latvia's society. He does not agree that integration of non-Latvians means their assimilation. Integration requires a long-term program, believes the President. He agrees that two isolated communities are forming in Latvia. The President believes that the political parties should discuss the problems of naturalization, citizenship, employment restrictions and the possibility of granting citizenship to children born in Latvia. President Ulmanis is planning to address the governing parties on the issue in early December. "If I face stubborn aversion toward discussing these problems I will speak about them myself," said the President. He agrees that "the window" mechanism proved to be outdated and believes that abolishing the mechanism would not lead to an increase in the number of applicants for citizenship. President Ulmanis in his interview criticized the new draft Language Law and said that "a half of its provisions did not meet the interests of both Latvians and non-Latvians" and that the new Law, if adopted, "would not contribute to non-citizens' loyalty". Still, Mr. Ulmanis believes that the country needs a new Language Law to replace the one adopted before it regained its independence. Diena