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

Press Review

Yesterday in Brussels the State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Avdeyev. According to Maris Riekstins, both parties agreed that the dialogue is the only solution to the strained relations between Russia and Latvia. Both parties agreed not to provide the press with the content of talks before the governments of both countries are informed. Yesterday Mr. Riekstins also met with the Director of the Foreign Affairs Directorate General of the European Commission Gunter Burghard. During the meeting the EC was informed about the latest developments in the social integration sphere in Latvia.

Yesterday in Brussels the State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Avdeyev. According to Maris Riekstins, both parties agreed that the dialogue is the only solution to the strained relations between Russia and Latvia. Both parties agreed not to provide the press with the content of talks before the governments of both countries are informed. Yesterday Mr. Riekstins also met with the Director of the Foreign Affairs Directorate General of the European Commission Gunter Burghard. During the meeting the EC was informed about the latest developments in the social integration sphere in Latvia. Diena, B&B

Yesterday the amendments to the Citizenship Law were submitted to the Saeima Legal Commission and Human Rights Commission for the further consideration.

Yesterday the amendments to the Citizenship Law were submitted to the Saeima Legal Commission and Human Rights Commission for the further consideration. Diena, B&B

Press Secretary of the Russian President Sergey Jastrzhembski told the Interfax that the main requirement for lifting the economic undertakings against Latvia, is the co-ordination of Latvian legislation with the basic European and international standards. Referring to the amendments to the Citizenship Law, Mr. Jastrzhembski said that it is only the first step towards the observance of Russian -speaking people rights, and it is not enough for lifting of the economic undertakings. Diena

Press Secretary of the Russian President Sergey Jastrzhembski told the Interfax that the main requirement for lifting the economic undertakings against Latvia, is the co-ordination of Latvian legislation with the basic European and international standards. Referring to the amendments to the Citizenship Law, Mr. Jastrzhembski said that it is only the first step towards the observance of Russian -speaking people rights, and it is not enough for lifting of the economic undertakings. Diena

The Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science declined the proposal to prolong the term for submission of proposals for the draft Language law until 6 May, and yesterday the Saeima started to consider the draft Language Law in the second reading. The Saeima decided to support the proposal of Dzintars Abikis, Chair of the aforementioned commission, to amend the provision concerning the language of meetings in private companies by stating that the state language as the meeting language should be used only in companies with the state capital share. The Saeima will continue to consider the draft Language Law in the second reading in the next session.

The Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science declined the proposal to prolong the term for submission of proposals for the draft Language law until 6 May, and yesterday the Saeima started to consider the draft Language Law in the second reading. The Saeima decided to support the proposal of Dzintars Abikis, Chair of the aforementioned commission, to amend the provision concerning the language of meetings in private companies by stating that the state language as the meeting language should be used only in companies with the state capital share. The Saeima will continue to consider the draft Language Law in the second reading in the next session. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday in Moscow Latvian Ambassador in Russia Imants Daudiss told press that some ease is observed in the relations between Latvia and Russia. The Ambassador related it with the amendments in the Latvian legislation, and observance of the OSCE and UN recommendations by Latvian government.

Yesterday in Moscow Latvian Ambassador in Russia Imants Daudiss told press that some ease is observed in the relations between Latvia and Russia. The Ambassador related it with the amendments in the Latvian legislation, and observance of the OSCE and UN recommendations by Latvian government. Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the Russian Society in Latvia discontinued its protest action in the Peter I house and agreed to leave the building within two weeks. President of the Russian Society Harald Astachov said that the Society will continue to work with the Cabinet of Ministers and other state institutions to get the building back.

Yesterday the Russian Society in Latvia discontinued its protest action in the Peter I house and agreed to leave the building within two weeks. President of the Russian Society Harald Astachov said that the Society will continue to work with the Cabinet of Ministers and other state institutions to get the building back. Diena

Yesterday the Russian Society in Latvia organized a rally at the Saeima advocating the granting of the Latvian citizenship for all permanent residents of Latvia.

Yesterday the Russian Society in Latvia organized a rally at the Saeima advocating the granting of the Latvian citizenship for all permanent residents of Latvia. SM