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 Report

On Wednesday the Saeima decided to submit the amendments to the Citizenship law concerning the children born in the independent Latvia, to the standing committees for consideration.

On Wednesday the Saeima decided to submit the amendments to the Citizenship law concerning the children born in the independent Latvia, to the standing committees for consideration. Diena

At the press conference the CBSS Commissioner Ole Espersen emphasized the importance of adoption of the Citizenship Law amendments by the Saeima. Besides, the Labor Code and the Language law should be brought into conformity with the international standards.

At the press conference the CBSS Commissioner Ole Espersen emphasized the importance of adoption of the Citizenship Law amendments by the Saeima. Besides, the Labor Code and the Language law should be brought into conformity with the international standards. Diena, Neatkariga

Russian newspapers (

Russian newspapers (SM, B&B, Chas) pay more attention to the requirements set by the Russian government during the visit of Mr. Espersen to Moscow. Russia insists on removing the naturalization windows, granting citizenship to children of stateless persons, cancelling the history and language exams for naturalization, lifting bans for non-citizens to practice certain professions. Referring to the statements of three Baltic State Presidents about the economic and political pressure by Russia, Press Secretary of the Russian President Sergey Yastrzhembski said that Russias position remained the same, and Latvia should implement the recommendations of European experts connected with citizenship.

Panorama Latvii publishes an open letter of the Association Supporting Schools with Russian as the language of instruction, in which it warns the parents be careful with choosing schools with other language of instruction than the native one, since it will seriously affect psychological, social and educational development of children and will lead to the national-cultural assimilation.

Chaspublishes an excerpt from the interview withthe Latvian State President Guntis Ulmanis in the Russian newspaper IZVESTIYA in which the President states that citizenship is not a gift, it requires from the persons applying for it, to demonstrate his loyalty by acquiring the language, history, constitution and the anthem of the country.

Lauku Avize publishes an interview with Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers in which he states that there are no mass violation of human rights in Latvia. Still, there are spheres in which the rights of non-citizens are unjustifiably limited. For instance, non-citizens cannot work as private detectives and attorneys. Referring to the Language law provisions on the use of language in private companies, Olafs Bruvers expressed the opinion of the Nationa Human Rights Office that the private company should have the rights to choose the language of meetings. The translation into Latvian, however, should be provided if one of the employees ask for that. Lauku Avize