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

The Government of Latvia receives reproaches for not being able to influence the number of votes in the EU Council and being not very talented in diplomatic matters. The Minister of FA I.Berzins says “Ourr main goal was assignment of one commissioner to each member state and we reached the goal. We are very proud of that”.

The Government of Latvia receives reproaches for not being able to influence the number of votes in the EU Council and being not very talented in diplomatic matters. The Minister of FA I.Berzins says Ourr main goal was assignment of one commissioner to each member state and we reached the goal. We are very proud of that. Diena

On Tuesday the Government approved “Latvijas Kugniecibas” (Latvian Shipping Company) privatisation regulations, thus launching company’s privatisation for the fourth time. However, this is a first time when it is planned to sell a control package (68% shares) to one investor.

On Tuesday the Government approved Latvijas Kugniecibas (Latvian Shipping Company) privatisation regulations, thus launching companys privatisation for the fourth time. However, this is a first time when it is planned to sell a control package (68% shares) to one investor. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna

In August this year when the Regulations on the State Language Proficiency Examination procedure were adopted no funding was allotted for that purpose, therefore the lack of funds could become an obstacle to start reforms in language certification at the State Language Centre. It is necessary to have LVL 128 000, and if this amount is not found then it would not be possible to carry out language examinations in February 2001

In August this year when the Regulations on the State Language Proficiency Examination procedure were adopted no funding was allotted for that purpose, therefore the lack of funds could become an obstacle to start reforms in language certification at the State Language Centre. It is necessary to have LVL 128 000, and if this amount is not found then it would not be possible to carry out language examinations in February 2001. Diena

Yesterday Saeima Committee on Budget and Finances gave its conceptual approval to the foundation of Society Integration Fund. The Ministry of Finance in its letter to the committee says that it does not agree to the establishment of the Fund, in its opinion the Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice could perform these functions.

Yesterday Saeima Committee on Budget and Finances gave its conceptual approval to the foundation of Society Integration Fund. The Ministry of Finance in its letter to the committee says that it does not agree to the establishment of the Fund, in its opinion the Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice could perform these functions. Neatkariga, Respublika

Yesterday the movement “For Equality” organised a picket at the building of the Saeima. About 30 people holding posters saying “Integration – yes! Assimilation – no!” in Latvian and Russian participated in the picket. “For Equality” chairman T.Zdanok informed that their main objections are toward the Education Law which determine providing secondary education only in the state language as of 2004..

Yesterday the movement For Equality organised a picket at the building of the Saeima. About 30 people holding posters saying Integration – yes! Assimilation – no! in Latvian and Russian participated in the picket. For Equality chairman T.Zdanok informed that their main objections are toward the Education Law which determine providing secondary education only in the state language as of 2004.. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

In November 1309 persons have acquired citizenship through naturalisation. The Naturalisation Board informs that through the course of this year 24 767 persons took the examination in the state language – 2182 of them did not pass the exam, and out of 25 106 persons who took the examination in history, 582 persons failed.

In November 1309 persons have acquired citizenship through naturalisation. The Naturalisation Board informs that through the course of this year 24 767 persons took the examination in the state language – 2182 of them did not pass the exam, and out of 25 106 persons who took the examination in history, 582 persons failed. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

5 teachers of Riga Boarding School No 1 have been warned that they could be fired in the closest future because they do not speak the state language. The teachers have to have a repeated examination on 4 January, however, the principle of the school is already looking for replacement, as he thinks that it is not possible to learn the language in such a short period of time.

5 teachers of Riga Boarding School No 1 have been warned that they could be fired in the closest future because they do not speak the state language. The teachers have to have a repeated examination on 4 January, however, the principle of the school is already looking for replacement, as he thinks that it is not possible to learn the language in such a short period of time. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

2-day field session of the Parliamentarian Assembly of the European Council was opened yesterday in Riga. The session is closed to public and no press conference is planned after the session. However, the possible discussion subjects are the report about the UN activities in the beginning of a new century, problems concerning paedophilia and national minorities. The head of Russia’s delegation in PAEC D.Rogozin will report on the situation of national minorities in Latvia and according to him “the report in a very open and harsh way discloses the situation national minorities experience in Latvia”.

2-day field session of the Parliamentarian Assembly of the European Council was opened yesterday in Riga. The session is closed to public and no press conference is planned after the session. However, the possible discussion subjects are the report about the UN activities in the beginning of a new century, problems concerning paedophilia and national minorities. The head of Russias delegation in PAEC D.Rogozin will report on the situation of national minorities in Latvia and according to him the report in a very open and harsh way discloses the situation national minorities experience in Latvia. Respublika

Education Policy Department Head J.Karklins informs about the elaborated document “Education Development Programme 200-2004”. The most important issues are reforms in teacher payment system and development of common curriculum and educational standards.

Education Policy Department Head J.Karklins informs about the elaborated document Education Development Programme 200-2004. The most important issues are reforms in teacher payment system and development of common curriculum and educational standards. Latvijas Vestnesis