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

In the next 14 months until the NATO summit meeting in Prague, Latvia must keep progressing, because if in case Latvia is unable to demonstrate good results, even the best lobbying will do no help. This statement was made by the former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus on Monday upon meeting Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. "Latvia is on the last lap of the marathon, so do all you can to not trip," said Asmus. "If I was your coach, then I would say you have a good speed" - Latvia has caught up to many other candidate countries and even passed some of them, Asmus told reporters.

In the next 14 months until the NATO summit meeting in Prague, Latvia must keep progressing, because if in case Latvia is unable to demonstrate good results, even the best lobbying will do no help. This statement was made by the former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus on Monday upon meeting Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. "Latvia is on the last lap of the marathon, so do all you can to not trip," said Asmus. "If I was your coach, then I would say you have a good speed" - Latvia has caught up to many other candidate countries and even passed some of them, Asmus told reporters. BNS

Mayor of southeast Latvian City Daugavpils, Rihards Eigims, and his first deputy will be visiting Vitebsk in Belarus from Tuesday till August 8, set to discuss cultural cooperation with the city's administration. Daugavpils deputy Mayor Livija Jankovska reported on Monday that the two parties would be discussing the possibility of organizing an international cultural event in Daugavpils, similar a festival having taken place in Vitebsk. Jankovska said that the heads of both cities might also sign an agreement on cultural cooperation.

Mayor of southeast Latvian City Daugavpils, Rihards Eigims, and his first deputy will be visiting Vitebsk in Belarus from Tuesday till August 8, set to discuss cultural cooperation with the city's administration. Daugavpils deputy Mayor Livija Jankovska reported on Monday that the two parties would be discussing the possibility of organizing an international cultural event in Daugavpils, similar a festival having taken place in Vitebsk. Jankovska said that the heads of both cities might also sign an agreement on cultural cooperation. BNS

Latvian capital Riga and St.Petersburg City in Russia will exchange monuments. The Riga City Council has resolved to present to St.Petersburg the monument of Russian czar Peter the Great, who founded this Russian City in the 18th century. St.Petersburg governor Vladimir Yakovlev, scheduled to visit Riga during the city's 800th anniversary celebrations in mid-August, will return the favor by giving to Riga a bust of famous Latvian poet Janis Rainis. Riga vice-mayor Sergei Dolgopolov told BNS that a St.Petersburg delegation on its previous visit to Riga had made several suggestions as to the piece of art the Russian city could give to the Latvian capital in exchange of the czar's monument.

Latvian capital Riga and St.Petersburg City in Russia will exchange monuments. The Riga City Council has resolved to present to St.Petersburg the monument of Russian czar Peter the Great, who founded this Russian City in the 18th century. St.Petersburg governor Vladimir Yakovlev, scheduled to visit Riga during the city's 800th anniversary celebrations in mid-August, will return the favor by giving to Riga a bust of famous Latvian poet Janis Rainis. Riga vice-mayor Sergei Dolgopolov told BNS that a St.Petersburg delegation on its previous visit to Riga had made several suggestions as to the piece of art the Russian city could give to the Latvian capital in exchange of the czar's monument. BNS, Panorama Latvii

It is likely that youth movement Solidarity will organize this Friday a picket in front of Riga City Council to voice their position on possibilities for every youngster to study in his mother tongue.

It is likely that youth movement Solidarity will organize this Friday a picket in front of Riga City Council to voice their position on possibilities for every youngster to study in his mother tongue. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

DCMA representative informed that 6 foreign journalists have been included in the lists of persons non grata in Latvia. The representative did not want to reveal their names, he just explained that their activity was directed against Latvia and its independence.

DCMA representative informed that 6 foreign journalists have been included in the lists of persons non grata in Latvia. The representative did not want to reveal their names, he just explained that their activity was directed against Latvia and its independence. Neatkariga

Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed the leader of youth movement Solidarnost I.Stalnoy about this movement and their activities. He said that there were about 50 active members in Solidarnost. During this interview journalists got impression that I.Stalnoy preferred not to speak about many questions and answered to others partially. So when asked about the sponsor of their movement he answered that the sponsor wanted to remain anonymous, and the answer to the questions where this sponsor from Latvia or abroad he refused to answer.

Also Russian speaking newspaper

Also Russian speaking newspaper Chas interviewed I.Stalnoy. He said that in their action in Mezaparks participated about 3000 people and 6000 came during the whole day. They were satisfied with the result but did not think to stop on the achieved. The authorities had to understand that they would achieve what they want.

J.Rimsans in

J.Rimsans in Rigas Balss ponders about the term decolonization in the context of Latvian actual facts and states that nobody has analyzed whether this colonisation is a real fact and if decolonisation is an acute issue.

Tomorrow the Cabinet of Ministers will decide on changing the procedure according to which applicants for Latvian citizenship will take the history and Satversme knowledge test. It is planned that applicant will take this test in a written form. The new procedure envisages including in the test also questions which have to be answered precisely, not choosing any given option. The tittle of this information is “Knowledge of applicants for citizenship will be tested more carefully”.

Tomorrow the Cabinet of Ministers will decide on changing the procedure according to which applicants for Latvian citizenship will take the history and Satversme knowledge test. It is planned that applicant will take this test in a written form. The new procedure envisages including in the test also questions which have to be answered precisely, not choosing any given option. The tittle of this information is Knowledge of applicants for citizenship will be tested more carefully. Rigas Balss

Newspaper

Newspaper Neatkariga states that History and Satversme knowledge test will be more difficult. 06.08.01 Panorama Latvii states History test – differently.

Latvian branch of Barkashiovci organisation “Russian National Unity in Latvia” in Liepaja filed a case with Riga Regional Court against Enterprise register for refusing to register their organisation.

Latvian branch of Barkashiovci organisation Russian National Unity in Latvia in Liepaja filed a case with Riga Regional Court against Enterprise register for refusing to register their organisation. Respublika

President of Russian Commune in Latvia V.Altuhov told

President of Russian Commune in Latvia V.Altuhov told Chas journalist that from September they start stating Latvian language training courses according new methodology - whole families would be trained together. Trainers would come from National Language Training Center, and the Center would pay teachers salaries. The generator of this idea was musician O.Bogdanov who was now out of job. Premises for training is provided by Russian Community in Latvia. This will be a joined project of those two Russian organizations. It is planned that training will be free of charge, but unfortunately they will not be able to train all willing. So the priority will be given to active members of Russian Commune.