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

FHRUL faction Chairman J.Jurkans in the framework of his visit to Moscow gave an interview for RTR – Russia’s TV channel.

FHRUL faction Chairman J.Jurkans in the framework of his visit to Moscow gave an interview for RTR – Russias TV channel. Diena writes In general J.Jurkans remains faithful to the usual complaints about the hard life of non-citizens in Latvia. In the opinion of some politicians of FF/LNNK and Peoples Party these visits are harmful to the development of normal relations between the countries. The Saeima has sent an official letter to Russias State Duma stating that it is not an official delegation from Latvias Saeima. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verkofstadt praises Latvia’s progress in harmonising legislation, especially the one, which concerns minorities, in its way to the EU. He expressed determination to close as many negation talks’ sections as possible during Belgium Presidency. Belgium Prime Minister informed that during his meeting with the President one of the discussion subjects was also relation between Russia and Latvia.

Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verkofstadt praises Latvias progress in harmonising legislation, especially the one, which concerns minorities, in its way to the EU. He expressed determination to close as many negation talks sections as possible during Belgium Presidency. Belgium Prime Minister informed that during his meeting with the President one of the discussion subjects was also relation between Russia and Latvia. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Respublika

The amendments to the Radio and Television Law probably will not be implemented in the reality, as Committee on European Affairs Chairman E.Ikens is considering a possibility to ask the President not to promulgate the Law and return it to the Saeima. On Thursday the Saeima adopted the following amendments to the Law – not less than 40% of European audio visual works has to be in Latvian during one week and that as of 2006 particularly important events for Latvia’s society could be aired only by such television companies, which cover 90% of Latvia’s territory.

The amendments to the Radio and Television Law probably will not be implemented in the reality, as Committee on European Affairs Chairman E.Ikens is considering a possibility to ask the President not to promulgate the Law and return it to the Saeima. On Thursday the Saeima adopted the following amendments to the Law – not less than 40% of European audio visual works has to be in Latvian during one week and that as of 2006 particularly important events for Latvias society could be aired only by such television companies, which cover 90% of Latvias territory. Diena

USA President G.Bush has sent a letter to the President of Latvia where confirms the will of the USA to continue co-operation between the two countries.

USA President G.Bush has sent a letter to the President of Latvia where confirms the will of the USA to continue co-operation between the two countries. Neatkariga

The new General Consul of Russia to Liepaja J.Popov gives a short interview. As his main task he considers protection the rights of “his citizens”.

The new General Consul of Russia to Liepaja J.Popov gives a short interview. As his main task he considers protection the rights of his citizens.

Panorama Latvii

devotes a whole page to the discussions of the issues concerning the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Affairs at Riga City Council. devotes a whole page to the discussions of the issues concerning the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Affairs at Riga City Council. Latvia’s teachers of the Russian language went to Pskov. They have meetings with Russian language teachers, officials of Russia’s education administration.

Latvias teachers of the Russian language went to Pskov. They have meetings with Russian language teachers, officials of Russias education administration. Panorama Latvii

The conference “Russia and the EU” was launched yesterday in Moscow. The question for Russia is in what kind of relations Russia has to engage with the EU - should it be co-operation or membership. The Baltic States were mentioned quite often during the first day of the conference as these countries “are turning into a proving ground for improving relations among the USA, Europe and Latvia”.

The conference Russia and the EU was launched yesterday in Moscow. The question for Russia is in what kind of relations Russia has to engage with the EU - should it be co-operation or membership. The Baltic States were mentioned quite often during the first day of the conference as these countries are turning into a proving ground for improving relations among the USA, Europe and Latvia. Respublika