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

Gunter Verheugen, candidate for the position of the Commissioner for EU Extension when speaking to the Europarliament said that the State Language Law in Latvia was still in the centre of the EU interest. He expressed positive attitude towards inviting Latvia to negotiations.

Gunter Verheugen, candidate for the position of the Commissioner for EU Extension when speaking to the Europarliament said that the State Language Law in Latvia was still in the centre of the EU interest. He expressed positive attitude towards inviting Latvia to negotiations.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins after returning from the meeting of Baltic and Nordic foreign ministers in Iceland confirmed that Latvia has received signals that it would be advisable to pass the State Language Law before the Helsinki summit.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins after returning from the meeting of Baltic and Nordic foreign ministers in Iceland confirmed that Latvia has received signals that it would be advisable to pass the State Language Law before the Helsinki summit. Diena

In a press conference after returning from the meeting in Iceland Indulis Berzins said that in his mind Latvia’s prospects for joining the EU negotiations are “carefully optimistic” as after the Balkan crisis the geopolitical criteria can be taken into account when considering the candidate countries. Berzins stressed that Latvia should pass a “precise, correct language law that facilitates integration”.

In a press conference after returning from the meeting in Iceland Indulis Berzins said that in his mind Latvias prospects for joining the EU negotiations are carefully optimistic as after the Balkan crisis the geopolitical criteria can be taken into account when considering the candidate countries. Berzins stressed that Latvia should pass a precise, correct language law that facilitates integration. Jauna Avize

In August, the number of women who have chosen to retire early has grown. It is a testimony to the fact that any changes in the Pension Law increases the distrust in pension system as well as the number of pensioners.

In August, the number of women who have chosen to retire early has grown. It is a testimony to the fact that any changes in the Pension Law increases the distrust in pension system as well as the number of pensioners. Diena

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in a press conference in Helsinki stated that Latvia itself will decide on the course of its defence policy and on joining the NATO - despite the objections from Russia.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in a press conference in Helsinki stated that Latvia itself will decide on the course of its defence policy and on joining the NATO - despite the objections from Russia. Vesti Segodna