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

More than 11,000 voters in Latvia signed the draft law developed by trade unions that prohibits dividing and privatization of the state electricity facility Latvenergo. The signatures will be delivered to the Central Election Committee this week for checking and then the Committee will need to collect signatures of 1/10 of the voters to initiate the national referendum.

More than 11,000 voters in Latvia signed the draft law developed by trade unions that prohibits dividing and privatization of the state electricity facility Latvenergo. The signatures will be delivered to the Central Election Committee this week for checking and then the Committee will need to collect signatures of 1/10 of the voters to initiate the national referendum. Diena

Latvia’s top officials yesterday were cautious in their comments following the election of V. Putin as the Russian President. However, they express hope that the relations between the countries will improve and become more pragmatic (Andris Skele, Indulis Berzins). Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga congratulated Mr. Putin with the election in a democratic way and wished that the relations between the two countries improved soon. Political scientists and commentators do not foresee any improvement in the relations and pointed out that Putin’s plans are still not clear. Several experts noted that the main strengthener of Latvia’s stability is a possibly faster integration into EU and NATO. Radio Free Europe commentator Paul Goble noted that as Russia is week it mainly uses public pressure and different destructive campaigns. Political scientist Artis Pabriks feared that in case authoritarian policy unites with liberal economy the relations between Latvia and Russia will remain in the current state. Historian Aivars Stranga is sure that now Putin will have to deal with concrete domestic problems instead of practicing political rhetoric. Final results of the elections in Latvia show that 10.5 thousand Russian citizens passed their votes – 54% for Putin and 40% for Zyuganov. Russian Ambassador to Latvia expressed his satisfaction with the election results and the fact that this time the Russian citizens in Latvia did not vote “just for Communists”.

Latvias top officials yesterday were cautious in their comments following the election of V. Putin as the Russian President. However, they express hope that the relations between the countries will improve and become more pragmatic (Andris Skele, Indulis Berzins). Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga congratulated Mr. Putin with the election in a democratic way and wished that the relations between the two countries improved soon. Political scientists and commentators do not foresee any improvement in the relations and pointed out that Putins plans are still not clear. Several experts noted that the main strengthener of Latvias stability is a possibly faster integration into EU and NATO. Radio Free Europe commentator Paul Goble noted that as Russia is week it mainly uses public pressure and different destructive campaigns. Political scientist Artis Pabriks feared that in case authoritarian policy unites with liberal economy the relations between Latvia and Russia will remain in the current state. Historian Aivars Stranga is sure that now Putin will have to deal with concrete domestic problems instead of practicing political rhetoric. Final results of the elections in Latvia show that 10.5 thousand Russian citizens passed their votes – 54% for Putin and 40% for Zyuganov. Russian Ambassador to Latvia expressed his satisfaction with the election results and the fact that this time the Russian citizens in Latvia did not vote just for Communists. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti, Chas

This Friday, March 31 population census will start in Latvia to last till April 29. Every household will be visited by trained interviewers, people will be asked 23 questions.

This Friday, March 31 population census will start in Latvia to last till April 29. Every household will be visited by trained interviewers, people will be asked 23 questions. Diena

Government regulations for implementation of the Language Law, society integration and improvements in state administration work are the three priorities for Latvia this year to hope for a favorable progress report from the European Commission.

Government regulations for implementation of the Language Law, society integration and improvements in state administration work are the three priorities for Latvia this year to hope for a favorable progress report from the European Commission. Diena

Riga District Court yesterday started hearing of the criminal case against 9 members of Perkonkrusts organization. The accusations include episodes like 3 attempts to blow up the Victory Monument, spreading leaflets calling to violently overturn the government and turn against Jews.

Riga District Court yesterday started hearing of the criminal case against 9 members of Perkonkrusts organization. The accusations include episodes like 3 attempts to blow up the Victory Monument, spreading leaflets calling to violently overturn the government and turn against Jews. Diena, Panorama Latvii, Vesti

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is sure that Latvia should be careful with introducing too many commemoration days as with every new date the existing become less important.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is sure that Latvia should be careful with introducing too many commemoration days as with every new date the existing become less important. Neatkariga

Respublika

publishes an interview with Brigita Silina, coordinator of the State Latvian Language Training Program about the progress of bi-lingual education in Latvia. publishes an interview with Brigita Silina, coordinator of the State Latvian Language Training Program about the progress of bi-lingual education in Latvia.