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.

• MP Edvins Snore criticizes the possible establishment of a state funded Russian language TV channel in Latvia

Latvijas Avize publishes an article by the MP Edvins Snore (National Union) criticizing the possible establishment of a state funded Russian language TV channel inLatvia. As reported, the National Council on Electronic Mass Media approved a conceptual decision on establishment of such channel with an aim to counterRussia’s propaganda and promote integration. Edvins Snore criticizes such decision arguing that Russian language media inLatvia is already widely available and warns about examples when journalists working in Russian language outlets criticised the government treatment of minorities. There is no guarantee that Latvia’s Russophones will watch the new channel. Establishment of such channel would also contradict one of the aims of Latvian mass media to promote Latvian language as common communication for all Latvian residents. He also believes that establishment of a Russian language TV channel would be a signal to the world and society acknowledging that Latvia is officially a two-community state. E. Snore also criticizes those ethnic Latvians who speak to each other in Russian language when taking part in Russian language discussion programmes on TV. According to E.Snore, the main threat forLatvia is not striving of local ethnic Russian residents for Putin’sRussia, but rather for Russian Latvia.