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

Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Language law stating that the Government should elaborate the regulations on language use in public events. 52 deputies were for the law, against – 26 from the union For Human Rights in United Latvia and majority of Social Democrats, but TB/LNNK did not take part in voting. Latvian President V.V.Freiberga considers that the law will protect the rights of the Latvian language and corresponds to international standards. It is confirmed by the announcement to the press to the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel where he states that the Latvian language in its essence complies with Latvian international obligations.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Language law stating that the Government should elaborate the regulations on language use in public events. 52 deputies were for the law, against – 26 from the union For Human Rights in United Latvia and majority of Social Democrats, but TB/LNNK did not take part in voting. Latvian President V.V.Freiberga considers that the law will protect the rights of the Latvian language and corresponds to international standards. It is confirmed by the announcement to the press to the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel where he states that the Latvian language in its essence complies with Latvian international obligations. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Bizness & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

Latvijas Vestnesis

published the results of voting. published the results of voting. Prime Minister A.Skele has received a letter from British Prime Minister T.Blair where Mr. Blair points out that last may he asked the Council of Europe at its Helsinki meeting to start official negotiation with Latvia on joining EU. British Prime Minister acknowledges that Latvia has achieved big progress preparing for participation in EU and the difficult negotiation to join it. He assures that GB will support Latvia in this process.

Prime Minister A.Skele has received a letter from British Prime Minister T.Blair where Mr. Blair points out that last may he asked the Council of Europe at its Helsinki meeting to start official negotiation with Latvia on joining EU. British Prime Minister acknowledges that Latvia has achieved big progress preparing for participation in EU and the difficult negotiation to join it. He assures that GB will support Latvia in this process. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena

The Saeima has conceptually supported the abolishing the commemoration day of Latvian soldiers on March 16 and transferring it to November 11 Lacplesis Day.

The Saeima has conceptually supported the abolishing the commemoration day of Latvian soldiers on March 16 and transferring it to November 11 Lacplesis Day. Diena

Chas

writes about the legal status of an apatrid and the situation in this respect in Latvia. On the day of adoption of the Language law two pickets were held at the Saeima. On one side of the street stood the supporters of the Latvian language and on the other – Russian speakers. And between them a line of policemen.

On the day of adoption of the Language law two pickets were held at the Saeima. On one side of the street stood the supporters of the Latvian language and on the other – Russian speakers. And between them a line of policemen. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Riga show business representative M.Lipchenko was fined by the language inspection for misspelling the name of Sanpetersburgh in the Latvian language on the posters of the Mariin theatre posted on the National Opera House.

Riga show business representative M.Lipchenko was fined by the language inspection for misspelling the name of Sanpetersburgh in the Latvian language on the posters of the Mariin theatre posted on the National Opera House. Vesti Segodnya, Bizness & Baltiya

Latvian Human Rights Commission lawyer Y.Solovyov advises the readers of

Latvian Human Rights Commission lawyer Y.Solovyov advises the readers of Panorama Latvii how to exchange their passports if there is no propiska.