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

“Mission leader of the Organisation for Co-operation and Security in Europe in Latvia, Peter Semneby, considers the recent controversial Vieda essay contest and book titled We Will Give Latvia to No One, slandered by Russia earlier this week, an embodiment of the author's bad taste, and Russia's reaction - too sharp. Semneby told BNS that he personally considers the Vieda book of selected essays "bad taste", but said that it is in no case promoting national hatred. "Its content is even appalling, but not hateful," said the mission leader. He state the OSCE view that the book expresses in no way the views of Latvian officials and that there is no need to exaggerate its importance, especially because integration of minorities is one of the Latvian government priorities. Asked as to how Semneby assesses the Russian Foreign Ministry's sharp reaction in demanding international organisations to evaluate the issue, Semneby said that these are unnecessary exaggerations. He also said "some claims" don't even fit the book's content. "We don't believe that it would be an issue worth any special attention," said Semneby, explaining that the OSCE has grown interested in the case, due to the discussion arisen by the public. Semneby also corrected that information on the investigation carried out by the Constitutional Protection Office, Latvia's top security body, was asked for not by the OSCE Secretary General, but by the OSCE mission in Latvia. Nevertheless, OSCE mission deputy Neil Brennan told BNS that the report was later passed higher on to the OSCE.

Mission leader of the Organisation for Co-operation and Security in Europe in Latvia, Peter Semneby, considers the recent controversial Vieda essay contest and book titled We Will Give Latvia to No One, slandered by Russia earlier this week, an embodiment of the author's bad taste, and Russia's reaction - too sharp. Semneby told BNS that he personally considers the Vieda book of selected essays "bad taste", but said that it is in no case promoting national hatred. "Its content is even appalling, but not hateful," said the mission leader. He state the OSCE view that the book expresses in no way the views of Latvian officials and that there is no need to exaggerate its importance, especially because integration of minorities is one of the Latvian government priorities. Asked as to how Semneby assesses the Russian Foreign Ministry's sharp reaction in demanding international organisations to evaluate the issue, Semneby said that these are unnecessary exaggerations. He also said "some claims" don't even fit the book's content. "We don't believe that it would be an issue worth any special attention," said Semneby, explaining that the OSCE has grown interested in the case, due to the discussion arisen by the public. Semneby also corrected that information on the investigation carried out by the Constitutional Protection Office, Latvia's top security body, was asked for not by the OSCE Secretary General, but by the OSCE mission in Latvia. Nevertheless, OSCE mission deputy Neil Brennan told BNS that the report was later passed higher on to the OSCE.

As the OSCE became interested in the Vieda contest only to find out the facts and not to research or evaluate in any way, the organisation will not be giving any official announcement, said the mission leader Semneby. The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier this week called on international organisations to assess the Vieda contest and book published thereafter, stating that the contest themes were "openly chauvinistic" and "Russophobic" while the book was full of racist and fascist statements laying grounds for ethnic cleansing. Russia also voiced concerns over authorities making no obstacles for the propagation of racism and national hatred. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states that the controversial essay contest is "the efforts of a small group to attract attention in a time when Latvia's European and transatlantic integration is strengthening, with no support for such efforts in the Latvian society. It is therefore not understandable as to why other countries may have to express any comments on this case." In late March the Vieda publishing house announced an essay contest four young people promising cash prizes, deemed as balancing on the edge of promoting national hatred by the press. Youths were urged to write about a number of controversial topics on extreme nationalism and the honouring of national partizans and legions, as well as against the European Union and selling Latvian property to foreigners, the need to drive Russians away from Latvia, claimed to be colonialists, etc. On June 12 Vieda presented a book containing over 70 selected essays from the contest, titled - We Will Give Latvia to No One. The book is expected to be handed to a number of high officials.

As the OSCE became interested in the Vieda contest only to find out the facts and not to research or evaluate in any way, the organisation will not be giving any official announcement, said the mission leader Semneby. The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier this week called on international organisations to assess the Vieda contest and book published thereafter, stating that the contest themes were "openly chauvinistic" and "Russophobic" while the book was full of racist and fascist statements laying grounds for ethnic cleansing. Russia also voiced concerns over authorities making no obstacles for the propagation of racism and national hatred. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states that the controversial essay contest is "the efforts of a small group to attract attention in a time when Latvia's European and transatlantic integration is strengthening, with no support for such efforts in the Latvian society. It is therefore not understandable as to why other countries may have to express any comments on this case." In late March the Vieda publishing house announced an essay contest four young people promising cash prizes, deemed as balancing on the edge of promoting national hatred by the press. Youths were urged to write about a number of controversial topics on extreme nationalism and the honouring of national partizans and legions, as well as against the European Union and selling Latvian property to foreigners, the need to drive Russians away from Latvia, claimed to be colonialists, etc. On June 12 Vieda presented a book containing over 70 selected essays from the contest, titled - We Will Give Latvia to No One. The book is expected to be handed to a number of high officials. BNS, Delfi, Diena

Russian newspaper Vesti Segodnja provides the comments on the opinions expressed by OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby. The newspaper writes, Has Mr.Semneby read the opus by A.Garda? And if he had read it, then whether it was in original language or in translation made by A.Garda? In any case, the paper sugests that OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby has some problems in being able to judge/assess the situation. Obviously, he forgot what happened 30 years ago in Miami, and completely does not see what is happening now in Britain. But actually individually expressed opinions served as the ground for the above mentioned events.

The article on the views of the OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby about Vieda book was published also on Saturday in the internet portal

Delfi where it received 68 comments. The main and rather sharp discussion took place among a Latvian and a few Russians, where Russians express very negative attitude about the book and blames OSCE for being blind. Two main opinions prevail among Latvians: one - the expression of P.Semneby bad taste in regard to the book is considered as too neutral and another – it was a perfect way to show that such organisations as OSCE do not get involved in the affairs of such small importance.

State Language Centre inspectors have established no progress in the language skills of Daugavpils City Council mayor R.Eigims. The last examination took place 3 months ago and then the inspectors established that his speaking ability corresponds to the highest proficiency level III, degree A, however, his writing skills correspond to II level, degree B. The decision of the State Language Centre on the correspondence of R.Eigims language skills to his post will be announced on 18 July. Diena, Rigas Balss, Chas

The Ministry of Education and Science decided that 9 graders of non-Latvian schools who passed the examination in the Latvian language this year will receive a note about the corresponding language proficiency level required to get a job. However, the results cannot be used for naturalisation purposes and it is impossible to receive the highest language proficiency level, even if students have received grades 9-10 in Latvian language exam.

The Ministry of Education and Science decided that 9 graders of non-Latvian schools who passed the examination in the Latvian language this year will receive a note about the corresponding language proficiency level required to get a job. However, the results cannot be used for naturalisation purposes and it is impossible to receive the highest language proficiency level, even if students have received grades 9-10 in Latvian language exam. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Chas

interviews Society Integration Department of the Ministry of Justice head V.Antonishkis. A part of the interview is devoted to the issues concerning Society Integration Foundation. V.Antonish It was established more for the needs of foreign donators than for Latvia, then he talks about the structure of the Foundation and its functions. In regard to society integration problems he says that he does not agree with the view that a person experiences one or another problem because of his/her nationality, but it is more to do with social discrimination in Latvia. He also does not see a necessity to establish an individual ministry, which would deal with nationality issues. interviews Society Integration Department of the Ministry of Justice head V.Antonishkis. A part of the interview is devoted to the issues concerning Society Integration Foundation. V.Antonish “It was established more for the needs of foreign donators than for Latvia”, then he talks about the structure of the Foundation and its functions. In regard to society integration problems he says that he does not agree with the view that a person experiences one or another problem because of his/her nationality, but it is more to do with social discrimination in Latvia. He also does not see a necessity to establish an individual ministry, which would deal with nationality issues.