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

Yesterday Head of the Citizenship and Migration Department Ints Zitars told the press that those non-citizens who will not manage to exchange their USSR citizen passports for Latvian non-citizen passports may lose their legal status and become foreigners who will have to apply for permanent residence permits. 93,000 residents have not received the new passports.

Yesterday Head of the Citizenship and Migration Department Ints Zitars told the press that those non-citizens who will not manage to exchange their USSR citizen passports for Latvian non-citizen passports may lose their legal status and become foreigners who will have to apply for permanent residence permits. 93,000 residents have not received the new passports. Diena, Russian Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti, Chas

Following the conference recently held by the University of Latvia Human Rights Institute, Naturalization Board, and the Council of Europe Nellija Locmele in

Following the conference recently held by the University of Latvia Human Rights Institute, Naturalization Board, and the Council of Europe Nellija Locmele in Diena looks at the reasons why Latvia did not sign the Convention on citizenship. Experts have said that legal differences between the Latvian Citizenship Law and the Convention are small, they say it is rather the lack of political will.

The party Latvia’s Way in November experienced the biggest drop in popularity rating in last ten months: it is – 2.5% compared to October. Social Democrats (2nd most popular after People’s Party) and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (3rd) saw growth.

The party Latvias Way in November experienced the biggest drop in popularity rating in last ten months: it is – 2.5% compared to October. Social Democrats (2nd most popular after Peoples Party) and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (3rd) saw growth. Neatkariga, Diena

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK sent a letter to the Saeima’s Committee on Education expressing disappointment with the fact that the Committee has not prepared the table with the submitted proposals to the Language Law.

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK sent a letter to the Saeimas Committee on Education expressing disappointment with the fact that the Committee has not prepared the table with the submitted proposals to the Language Law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, BB

President Freiberga does not support setting gender quotas for women participation in political representation as it is discrimination in a way.

President Freiberga does not support setting gender quotas for women participation in political representation as it is discrimination in a way. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

After visiting Aluksne Mobile Rifle Battalion President Freiberga concluded that the State Language situation in Latvia’s Army is dramatic. She expressed hope that modern teaching methods can improve the situation.

After visiting Aluksne Mobile Rifle Battalion President Freiberga concluded that the State Language situation in Latvias Army is dramatic. She expressed hope that modern teaching methods can improve the situation. Neatkariga

BB reports that Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia David Johnson paid a farewell visit to the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins yesterday. The replacement is not known yet.

BB reports that Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia David Johnson paid a farewell visit to the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins yesterday. The replacement is not known yet.

After the survey carried out by Gallup International says that 72% of Estonians, 76% of Latvian and 65% of Lithuanian respondents believe that human rights are being partly respected in these countries.

After the survey carried out by Gallup International says that 72% of Estonians, 76% of Latvian and 65% of Lithuanian respondents believe that human rights are being partly respected in these countries. BB

Union of Citizens and Non-citizens of Latvia sent an open letter to the President Freiberga asking her to come up with an initiative to amend the law on elections to allow non-citizens to take part in local elections.

Union of Citizens and Non-citizens of Latvia sent an open letter to the President Freiberga asking her to come up with an initiative to amend the law on elections to allow non-citizens to take part in local elections. Vesti, BB