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

Latvian Saeima yesterday with a certain majority confirmed the former Head Prosecutor of Cesis region Janis Maizitis as the Prosecutor General of Latvia.

Latvian Saeima yesterday with a certain majority confirmed the former Head Prosecutor of Cesis region Janis Maizitis as the Prosecutor General of Latvia. Diena, Jauna Avize

Saeima yesterday decided to pass over the draft law on financing construction of the National Library proposed by the government of Andris Skele to the Saeima’s commissions to decide on the most acceptable mechanism of financing the project. Chairman of the Latvia’s Way faction Andrejs Pantelejevs said that his party will definitely look for other ways of financing than the suggested increase of electricity payments.

Saeima yesterday decided to pass over the draft law on financing construction of the National Library proposed by the government of Andris Skele to the Saeimas commissions to decide on the most acceptable mechanism of financing the project. Chairman of the Latvias Way faction Andrejs Pantelejevs said that his party will definitely look for other ways of financing than the suggested increase of electricity payments. Diena, Chas

Latvian Human Rights Committee announced that 30,000 signatures are collected under the letter to be sent to international organizations asking to influence the policy in Latvia concerning the ratification of the General Convention for Protection of Minority Rights, the rights of ethnic minorities to use their language in public in compactly populated places, state-funded education in minority languages, and the rights for non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. The campaign started in March, the organizers used the big gatherings of people on the occasions of May 1 and May 9 to almost double the number of signatures. The campaign is supposed to last till June when the appeal will be submitted to the Saeima. This is a political action without legal consequences.

Latvian Human Rights Committee announced that 30,000 signatures are collected under the letter to be sent to international organizations asking to influence the policy in Latvia concerning the ratification of the General Convention for Protection of Minority Rights, the rights of ethnic minorities to use their language in public in compactly populated places, state-funded education in minority languages, and the rights for non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. The campaign started in March, the organizers used the big gatherings of people on the occasions of May 1 and May 9 to almost double the number of signatures. The campaign is supposed to last till June when the appeal will be submitted to the Saeima. This is a political action without legal consequences. Diena, Vesti

Hearing of the criminal case against the members of Pçrkoňkrusts was finished yesterday. The prosecutor demands imprisonment for 7 defendants and probation for two of them. Court decision will be pronounced on May 29.

Hearing of the criminal case against the members of Pçrkoňkrusts was finished yesterday. The prosecutor demands imprisonment for 7 defendants and probation for two of them. Court decision will be pronounced on May 29. Diena, Vesti

In response to Russia’s proposal for the Council of Europe to discuss the human rights situation in Latvia and Estonia, Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins speaking to the Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe pointed out that the differences in the opinion of Russia and international community in human rights sphere become more important. He added that the opinion voiced by Russia about the human rights in Latvia does not correspond the reality as well as the international evaluation.

In response to Russias proposal for the Council of Europe to discuss the human rights situation in Latvia and Estonia, Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins speaking to the Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe pointed out that the differences in the opinion of Russia and international community in human rights sphere become more important. He added that the opinion voiced by Russia about the human rights in Latvia does not correspond the reality as well as the international evaluation. Diena, Chas

The Saima yesterday blocked ratification of the European Framework Convention for Protection of Ethnic Minorities. The vote was initiated by For Human Rights in United Latvia and this faction was the only one that voted “for”. Chas gives a list of the countries which have signed and ratified or just signed the convention as well as the requirements towards countries-signatories.

The Saima yesterday blocked ratification of the European Framework Convention for Protection of Ethnic Minorities. The vote was initiated by For Human Rights in United Latvia and this faction was the only one that voted for. Chas gives a list of the countries which have signed and ratified or just signed the convention as well as the requirements towards countries-signatories. Chas

Also, Saeima did not support the attempt of For Human Rights in United Latvia to assign special status to the veterans of anti-Hitler coalition to grant them discounts in fair of public transport tickets and the right for free medical service .

Also, Saeima did not support the attempt of For Human Rights in United Latvia to assign special status to the veterans of anti-Hitler coalition to grant them discounts in fair of public transport tickets and the right for free medical service . Chas, Vesti