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

Youth movement Solidarity decided to unite youngsters of different nationalities let to manage everybody’s rights to study in his mother tongue opposite to the planned transition to tuition in the state language. On Sunday in Mezaparks instead of announced 500 youngsters came several thousand for a meeting that was combined with a concert of several groups and singers. Participants of the meeting had slogans and upon a call of Solidarity representative I.Stalnoy shouted “Hands of from our schools”, “We want to study in our mother tongue”, If we are united, we are undefeatable”. Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission head A.Seiksts said according there was nothing illegal in activities of the organizers’ of this meeting but they had to take responsibility for splitting the society that did not favor its integration.

Youth movement Solidarity decided to unite youngsters of different nationalities let to manage everybodys rights to study in his mother tongue opposite to the planned transition to tuition in the state language. On Sunday in Mezaparks instead of announced 500 youngsters came several thousand for a meeting that was combined with a concert of several groups and singers. Participants of the meeting had slogans and upon a call of Solidarity representative I.Stalnoy shouted Hands of from our schools, We want to study in our mother tongue, If we are united, we are undefeatable. Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission head A.Seiksts said according there was nothing illegal in activities of the organizers of this meeting but they had to take responsibility for splitting the society that did not favor its integration. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas writes about 3000 participants and of different nationalities. The Chairman of youth movement Solidarity I.Stalnoy told journalists that the goal of this action was to attract public attention to the attempt of state authorities to close Russian schools by 2004. They had organized an opinion poll among Latvian youngsters was it worthwhile to close down Russian speaking schools, and more than 70% of respondents considered that it should no be done. I.Stalnoy said that they would fight fort their rights disregarding opposition from politicians. Respublika and Panorama Latvii give more than 5000 participants.

Participants of legionnaires’ get-together on Saturday adopted an address to the President V.Vike-Freiberga, Saeima and government to evaluate the guilt of Communist party in the genocide against Latvians. At the same time the state is called to evaluate impartially the role of Latvian legionnaires in the WW II as well as to claim compensation from Russia and Germany for damages made during the years of occupation.

Participants of legionnaires get-together on Saturday adopted an address to the President V.Vike-Freiberga, Saeima and government to evaluate the guilt of Communist party in the genocide against Latvians. At the same time the state is called to evaluate impartially the role of Latvian legionnaires in the WW II as well as to claim compensation from Russia and Germany for damages made during the years of occupation. Diena

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas writes in a little sarcastic manner about this get-together and publishes their demands. Panorama Latvii adds that among participants were also MPs O.Grigs and P.Tabuns.

At least 20 non-citizen after finishing a training course in Valka will not be able to take the Latvian language test because authorities have abolished the special state language examination commission for Valka Region. Most of those people are unemployed, and they may take this test only in Riga. E.Poermeiter, local State Employment Office head told journalists that those people did not have money to go there but the Commission had no time or money to come to Valka. Non-citizens find such a situation when there is no Commission in Valka absurd.

At least 20 non-citizen after finishing a training course in Valka will not be able to take the Latvian language test because authorities have abolished the special state language examination commission for Valka Region. Most of those people are unemployed, and they may take this test only in Riga. E.Poermeiter, local State Employment Office head told journalists that those people did not have money to go there but the Commission had no time or money to come to Valka. Non-citizens find such a situation when there is no Commission in Valka absurd. Neatkariga

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas when writing about the interview of MP J.Leja called the article Saeima Deputy Let non-Latvians go to Russia! In the press conference J.Leja said that he did not agree to Gardas statement about the second Yugoslavia in Latvia (Latvians are a peaceful nation). MP is sure that there should be national policy to drive out non-Latvians. Bu Latvia has no money and neighboring countries should assist in it. Vesti Segodnya