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.

• Russia’s Ambassador to Latvia Aleksandr Veshnyakov: Latvian authorities do not understand needs of ethnic minorities

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Russia’s Ambassador to Latvia Aleksandr Veshnyakov. According to Mr Veshnyakov, relations between Latvia and Russia became more complicated in 2012 due to various factors and events such as accusations about Russia’s interference in Latvian internal affairs and Russophobic mood due to referendum on the status of Russian language in Latvia. The Ambassador does not see improvement of situation of Russian speaking residents of Latvia. The Ambassador believes Latvian authorities do not understand or do not want to understand needs of ethnic minorities and to ensure their rights.