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

Latvia should not submit to the pressure by international organisations on drafting of the language law, but should struggle for the position of the Latvian language similarly as the Flemish people did in Belgium. Such a suggestion was expressed by the President of Brussels Institute for European Affairs I. Peters at the seminar on language legislation and its implementation, organised by the aforementioned institute and the Latvian Language Institute. Dzintra Hirsa, the Director of the Latvian Language Institute, said that the amending of the draft law and official recognition of two state languages might lead to the dominance of the Russian language and extending of the Russian boundaries. At the same time, during the interview at Latvian Radio yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minster Valdis Birkavs said that the regulation of the language use in the private sphere might prevent form the investing into Latvia.

Latvia should not submit to the pressure by international organisations on drafting of the language law, but should struggle for the position of the Latvian language similarly as the Flemish people did in Belgium. Such a suggestion was expressed by the President of Brussels Institute for European Affairs I. Peters at the seminar on language legislation and its implementation, organised by the aforementioned institute and the Latvian Language Institute. Dzintra Hirsa, the Director of the Latvian Language Institute, said that the amending of the draft law and official recognition of two state languages might lead to the dominance of the Russian language and extending of the Russian boundaries. At the same time, during the interview at Latvian Radio yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minster Valdis Birkavs said that the regulation of the language use in the private sphere might prevent form the investing into Latvia. Diena

In an article published by  Ilmars Mezs compares the situation with the Latvian language in Latvia and the situation with the Irish language in Ireland and concludes that many European nations can envy the Latvian language for ability to endure the assimilation. He suggests the Latvian parliament not to be pretend to be greater catholic than the Pope is, meaning that any European parliament in a similar situation would have adopted more radical language law.

In an article published by Ilmars Mezs compares the situation with the Latvian language in Latvia and the situation with the Irish language in Ireland and concludes that many European nations can envy the Latvian language for ability to endure the assimilation. He suggests the Latvian parliament not to be pretend to be greater catholic than the Pope is, meaning that any European parliament in a similar situation would have adopted more radical language law. Diena

B&B informs about the unofficial meeting of the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs with the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel during Mr. Birkavs visit to Hague. They discussed the compliance of the draft language law with the OSCE directives. Mr. Van der Stoel was positive that the final version of the draft law will be done in the adequate manner. Mr. Birkavs holds the same position. Yesterday he announced that there will be no problems with harmonisation of the State Language Law with the international standards. The next visit of the High Commissioner to Latvia will take place in May. B&B

At the meeting with the Latvian journalists, the governor of Novgorod region and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federation Council Mikhail Prusak said that the draft law on economic sanctions against Latvia discussed by the Russian Duma is a good example of “stupid and short-sighted policy” since Russia needs the transport corridor through Latvia, as well as Latvia needs Russian cargo going through.

At the meeting with the Latvian journalists, the governor of Novgorod region and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federation Council Mikhail Prusak said that the draft law on economic sanctions against Latvia discussed by the Russian Duma is a good example of stupid and short-sighted policy since Russia needs the transport corridor through Latvia, as well as Latvia needs Russian cargo going through. Jauna Avize, B&B

The Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law will attend the naturalisation exams at the Naturalisation Board Vidzeme and Centre districts of Riga City to evaluate the work of the examination commission.

The Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law will attend the naturalisation exams at the Naturalisation Board Vidzeme and Centre districts of Riga City to evaluate the work of the examination commission. Jauna Avize, B&B

Panorama Latvii publishes a story of Igor Maisiuk, resident of the town Aluksne, whose passport was taken away by the DCMA and the identity number annulled. Despite the fact that he was born in Latvia, he was asked to leave Latvia. Mr. Maisiuk has brought the claim to the court. Panorama Latvii

Referring to the document which was prepared by the Co-ordination Council of 19 public organisations as a response to the draft integration program, Mr. V. Filatov is glad that finally the Russian and other organisations have joined to have unified position.

Referring to the document which was prepared by the Co-ordination Council of 19 public organisations as a response to the draft integration program, Mr. V. Filatov is glad that finally the Russian and other organisations have joined to have unified position. SM

Gennady Kotov, co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee, argues that the draft social integration program contains contradictory provisions. For example, while declaring the integration as the voluntary process, it declares the necessity to recognise the Latvian language as the only state language which should be used in the public life. Mr. Kotov reminds that 43% of the population are non-Latvians. Mr. Kotov questions issues of loyalty of national minorities towards the state. According to him, the state should also be loyal in relation with the individual. Mr. Kotov states that the titular nation will have to make a choice whether to have Latvian Latvia or an integrated society. He warns that the Latvian Latvia will be Latvia of two hostile communities, full of conflicts and ready to explode.

Gennady Kotov, co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee, argues that the draft social integration program contains contradictory provisions. For example, while declaring the integration as the voluntary process, it declares the necessity to recognise the Latvian language as the only state language which should be used in the public life. Mr. Kotov reminds that 43% of the population are non-Latvians. Mr. Kotov questions issues of loyalty of national minorities towards the state. According to him, the state should also be loyal in relation with the individual. Mr. Kotov states that the titular nation will have to make a choice whether to have Latvian Latvia or an integrated society. He warns that the Latvian Latvia will be Latvia of two hostile communities, full of conflicts and ready to explode. Diena