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

More that 16 000 applications for naturalisation are now at different regional offices of the Naturalisation Board. It is interesting that women are majority - 65.5%. Russians are the most active among representatives of different nations - 55%. The number of applicants has increased considerably, and now people are lining up for submitting a request already for the end of June. To increase the speed of naturalisation process, the Naturalisation Board has requested for additional resources for this year.

More that 16 000 applications for naturalisation are now at different regional offices of the Naturalisation Board. It is interesting that women are majority - 65.5%. Russians are the most active among representatives of different nations - 55%. The number of applicants has increased considerably, and now people are lining up for submitting a request already for the end of June. To increase the speed of naturalisation process, the Naturalisation Board has requested for additional resources for this year. Neatkariga

Latvian Embassy in Brussels say that introduction of no visa regime with Benelux countries could be postponed for a longer period of time as it was expected. It was announced that Latvian citizens could go without visa to these countries already at the end of April, but due to the long ratification procedure in the parliaments of Benelux countries, it seemed that even in June the agreement would not take effect.

Latvian Embassy in Brussels say that introduction of no visa regime with Benelux countries could be postponed for a longer period of time as it was expected. It was announced that Latvian citizens could go without visa to these countries already at the end of April, but due to the long ratification procedure in the parliaments of Benelux countries, it seemed that even in June the agreement would not take effect. Jauna Avize

As it seems, the strict reaction of Liepaja authorities on Barkasovets rally has impressed hotheads in Liepaja and they organised the Latvian soldiers commemoration day events on Saturday. There are two more organisations - Latvian Socialist Party and Russian Community in Latvia that insist to have their pickets on March 16, but the authorities did not give any permission.

Bizness & Baltiya