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

On Wednesday Finnish President met top Latvian officials while today she is scheduled to meet Latvian Parliament Speaker Janis Straume. Accession of Latvia to NATO causes no threat to Europe's security but the alliance's enlargement should be discussed with NATO and Russia, Finnish President Tarja Halonen said Wednesday in Riga. But, if Latvia wants to become a NATO member country, Halonen said, she believes Latvia's security will increase then and will contribute to structural security in the region.

On Wednesday Finnish President met top Latvian officials while today she is scheduled to meet Latvian Parliament Speaker Janis Straume. Accession of Latvia to NATO causes no threat to Europe's security but the alliance's enlargement should be discussed with NATO and Russia, Finnish President Tarja Halonen said Wednesday in Riga. But, if Latvia wants to become a NATO member country, Halonen said, she believes Latvia's security will increase then and will contribute to structural security in the region. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Naturalisation Board, Social Integration Department, OSCE Mission to Latvia and UNDP have planned to carry out broad public awareness campaign from July till December. On Wednesday all the parties signed a co-operation agreement. The funds necessary to implement the programme amounts to USD 200 000, and some foreign embassies to Latvia have already promised to provide their assistance.

Naturalisation Board, Social Integration Department, OSCE Mission to Latvia and UNDP have planned to carry out broad public awareness campaign from July till December. On Wednesday all the parties signed a co-operation agreement. The funds necessary to implement the programme amounts to USD 200 000, and some foreign embassies to Latvia have already promised to provide their assistance. Diena, Chas

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins is surprised over a question by Lithuanian politician Vytautas Landsbergis doubting Latvia's support to accession of Lithuania to NATO. Berzins told that Landsbergis’ question had surprised him because he does not see objective grounds for it. He said his response to Landsbergis will be that Latvia is for Lithuania's membership in NATO just as it is for Latvia's and Estonia's membership in that organisation. He voiced a hope Lithuania supports all the three Baltic States membership in NATO, too.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins is surprised over a question by Lithuanian politician Vytautas Landsbergis doubting Latvia's support to accession of Lithuania to NATO. Berzins told that Landsbergis question had surprised him because he does not see objective grounds for it. He said his response to Landsbergis will be that Latvia is for Lithuania's membership in NATO just as it is for Latvia's and Estonia's membership in that organisation. He voiced a hope Lithuania supports all the three Baltic States membership in NATO, too. Neatkariga

Today Foreign Affairs Minister I.Berzins is going to Strasbourg to close Latvian Presidency at the European Council. As the main achievement of Latvian presidency I.Berzins states admission of the two new member states – Armenia and Azerbaijan to the EC.

Today Foreign Affairs Minister I.Berzins is going to Strasbourg to close Latvian Presidency at the European Council. As the main achievement of Latvian presidency I.Berzins states admission of the two new member states – Armenia and Azerbaijan to the EC. Neatkariga, Respublika

Only one Latvian newspaper

Only one Latvian newspaper Neatkariga provides information on yesterdays celebrations of Victory Day. The biggest venue took place in Riga – several thousand people took part in the meeting at the Victory Monument. Some festivities took place also in other places of Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

claims that 100 000 people came to the Victory Monument and gives couple articles about the celebration and people who participated in that. The newspaper reproaches the official Riga and means of mass media in Latvian about ignoring the event claims that 100 000 people came to the Victory Monument and gives couple articles about the celebration and people who participated in that. The newspaper reproaches the “official Riga” and means of mass media in Latvian about ignoring the event. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika During yesterday’s meeting Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins and OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby discussed the tasks fulfilled by the Mission and the possible closure of the Mission, as Latvia has successfully implemented almost all OSCE recommendations. Acknowledging the successful course of naturalisation process, Prime Minister and the Head of the Mission discussed promotion possibilities for the process, such as providing more information to public and reducing the state fee.

During yesterdays meeting Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins and OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby discussed the tasks fulfilled by the Mission and the possible closure of the Mission, as Latvia has successfully implemented almost all OSCE recommendations. Acknowledging the successful course of naturalisation process, Prime Minister and the Head of the Mission discussed promotion possibilities for the process, such as providing more information to public and reducing the state fee.

P.Semneby also informed Prime Minister on the work of the international working group regarding the establishment of ombudsman institution on the basis of NHRO.

P.Semneby also informed Prime Minister on the work of the international working group regarding the establishment of ombudsman institution on the basis of NHRO. Lauku Avize, news agency LETA, internet portal Delfi

Vesti Segodnja

writes about the problems caused by the State Language Law concerning spelling of foreign last names in Latvian. writes about the problems caused by the State Language Law concerning spelling of foreign last names in Latvian. FHRUL deputies decided not to accept President’s invitation to meet on Friday after they were refused the meeting with the President when all Parliamentarian factions were invited. FHRUL say that this double standard is not acceptable for them.

FHRUL deputies decided not to accept Presidents invitation to meet on Friday after they were refused the meeting with the President when all Parliamentarian factions were invited. FHRUL say that this double standard is not acceptable for them. Chas, Respublika