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 than 15 000 teachers have agreed to take part in a strike on November 16 to protest against the insufficient financing to increase teachers’ salaries, and about 90% of all persons working in the system of education support this idea.

More than 15 000 teachers have agreed to take part in a strike on November 16 to protest against the insufficient financing to increase teachers salaries, and about 90% of all persons working in the system of education support this idea. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Diena

The deadline for submitting proposals for amendments to the Language law is approaching and the Saeima Commission on Education and Science stated that all together had been submitted 51 proposals. The Saeima faction of the Union of Political organisations For Human Rights in United Latvia proposed to regulate the language usage in private sphere only when it concerns public and consumers’ safety, health care and administrative supervision. The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and other international institutions have already expressed their opinion to President V.V.Freigerga that this law does not conform with international standards. Also the National Human Rights Office has stated that the law is not precise.

The deadline for submitting proposals for amendments to the Language law is approaching and the Saeima Commission on Education and Science stated that all together had been submitted 51 proposals. The Saeima faction of the Union of Political organisations For Human Rights in United Latvia proposed to regulate the language usage in private sphere only when it concerns public and consumers safety, health care and administrative supervision. The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and other international institutions have already expressed their opinion to President V.V.Freigerga that this law does not conform with international standards. Also the National Human Rights Office has stated that the law is not precise. Neatkariga, Chas

Latvijas Cels representative and Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins proposes that public information in Latvia should be provided in the state language, but it would be permissible to use a foreign language at the same time in short announcements of private institutions meant for tourists as well as information of national minorities schools and cultural organisations.

Latvijas Cels representative and Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins proposes that public information in Latvia should be provided in the state language, but it would be permissible to use a foreign language at the same time in short announcements of private institutions meant for tourists as well as information of national minorities schools and cultural organisations. Diena

Vesti Segodnya

asked two Latvian politicians – Yu.Sokolovsky (FHRIL) and the Minister of Justice V.Birkavs the same question, When the concept of integration will be adopted? Yu.Sokolovsky answered that TB/LNNK would try to stop the adoption, for sure, but the document would have no practical value, anyway. The concept was necessary for Latvian authorities to show Europe that the problem of national minorities was being solved in Latvia. V.Birkavs thought that the concept would be adopted in the nearest future and the work on implementing the program would be started simultaneously. The most important thing was to have an effective mechanism to implement this program. Vesti Segodnya

“If the Latvian – Lithuanian agreement on the see border is ratified, Latvian fishermen will start a blockade of Latvian ports”. This announcement was made by the President of the Association of Latvian Fishermen I.Voics. Lithuanian Parliament ratified this agreement a few days ago, and Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins was glad about this fact.

If the Latvian – Lithuanian agreement on the see border is ratified, Latvian fishermen will start a blockade of Latvian ports. This announcement was made by the President of the Association of Latvian Fishermen I.Voics. Lithuanian Parliament ratified this agreement a few days ago, and Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins was glad about this fact. Vesti Segodnya