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

The development of the eastern Latvian national border has stalled over reluctance by Russia to sign a border agreement as well lack of co-ordination and low administrative capacity within responsible Latvian agencies. It is very likely that the border agreement with Russia will be signed only after Latvia receives an invitation from NATO to join the alliance. FF/LNNK member G.Krasts said Russia was obviously reluctant to sign the border agreement with Latvia as long as the Baltic state will be seeking membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO. "Russia wants to maintain distrust in the region and strives to keep up uncertainty," said the foreign committee chairman, adding that absence of border agreements will not be an obstacle in admitting Latvia to either organisation, however.

The development of the eastern Latvian national border has stalled over reluctance by Russia to sign a border agreement as well lack of co-ordination and low administrative capacity within responsible Latvian agencies. It is very likely that the border agreement with Russia will be signed only after Latvia receives an invitation from NATO to join the alliance. FF/LNNK member G.Krasts said Russia was obviously reluctant to sign the border agreement with Latvia as long as the Baltic state will be seeking membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO. "Russia wants to maintain distrust in the region and strives to keep up uncertainty," said the foreign committee chairman, adding that absence of border agreements will not be an obstacle in admitting Latvia to either organisation, however. Neatkariga

Latvia may become the first country in the world to have the parliament with quality management certificate ISO 9001:2000. Responsible Latvian parliament officials are now making preparations for introducing the quality management system to improve the parliament's performance and become the first legislative body in the world to get ISO certificate. To make descriptions of jobs and procedures will take over 18,000 lats.

Latvia may become the first country in the world to have the parliament with quality management certificate ISO 9001:2000. Responsible Latvian parliament officials are now making preparations for introducing the quality management system to improve the parliament's performance and become the first legislative body in the world to get ISO certificate. To make descriptions of jobs and procedures will take over 18,000 lats. Diena, BNS, Chas

While on the official visit to Hungary, the Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga said for the interview in one of the major Hungarian newspapers

While on the official visit to Hungary, the Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga said for the interview in one of the major Hungarian newspapers Nepszabadsag Latvian-Russian relations to a large extent depend on relations with the Russian minority in Latvia. V.Vike-Freiberga stresses that in her view that relations with the Russian minority in Latvia are stabilising of late and therefore support from Russian-speaking residents for national policy and particularly for NATO membership increases. LETA

In September the number of people who have acquired citizenship through naturalisation is rather low (211, in August 756). Naturalisation Board officials explain that by problems of technical nature, that is, in September the Government was very busy was discussing state budget, so it could not spare time for approving the candidates.

In September the number of people who have acquired citizenship through naturalisation is rather low (211, in August 756). Naturalisation Board officials explain that by problems of technical nature, that is, in September the Government was very busy was discussing state budget, so it could not spare time for approving the candidates. Neatkariga

Vecernaya Riga

interviews MP FHRUL, Latvian PACE delegation member B.Cilevic. About the intention of some FF/LNNK parliament members to recall him from Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), B.Cilevic says that it has been solved now, and it only shows that FF/LNNK has used to act like a ruling party. In regard to the support of the intention by also some Social Democrats, Cilevic says that it would make re-consider the possibility of co-operation between FHRUL and Social Democrats for the upcoming 8th Saeima election. interviews MP FHRUL, Latvian PACE delegation member B.Cilevic. About the intention of some FF/LNNK parliament members to recall him from Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), B.Cilevic says that it has been solved now, and it only shows that FF/LNNK has used to act like a ruling party. In regard to the support of the intention by also some Social Democrats, Cilevic says that it would make re-consider the possibility of co-operation between FHRUL and Social Democrats for the upcoming 8th Saeima election.

Chas

invites people to call the newspaper if they have any concerns, problems or questions concerning the transfer to the studies exclusively in the Latvian language at national minority schools in 2004. invites people to call the newspaper if they have any concerns, problems or questions concerning the transfer to the studies exclusively in the Latvian language at national minority schools in 2004.

Chas

gives an article about the Seminar for the Principles of National Minority Schools. The newspaper is rather sceptical about optimism of the speakers who presented relevant Latvian authorities, whose speeches mainly were about that a human being can do a lot and that schools are just not aware of their capabilities. gives an article about the Seminar for the Principles of National Minority Schools. The newspaper is rather sceptical about optimism of the speakers who presented relevant Latvian authorities, whose speeches mainly were about that “a human being can do a lot and that schools are just not aware of their capabilities”. Chas Chas asks the opinions of the representatives of the Naturalisation Board and MoSE concerning the transfer and both officials do think that schools, teachers and students can and are ready for that. However, the opinion of political scientist A.Pabriks is rather sceptical. He considers that the year of 2008 would be more realistic to conduct the transfer, he also adds that when the government announced the transfer it did not ensure either physical or moral aspects for it. asks the opinions of the representatives of the Naturalisation Board and MoSE concerning the transfer and both officials do think that schools, teachers and students can and are ready for that. However, the opinion of political scientist A.Pabriks is rather sceptical. He considers that the year of 2008 would be more realistic to conduct the transfer, he also adds that when the government announced the transfer it did not ensure either physical or moral aspects for it. Latvia and Byelorussia have decided to review their border agreement in order to stipulate easier visa issuance procedure for people residing in border zones of both countries.

Latvia and Byelorussia have decided to review their border agreement in order to stipulate easier visa issuance procedure for people residing in border zones of both countries. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

gives some insight in the Report on the Situation of National Minorities in East Europe Countries funded by the Open Society Institution. The newspaper concludes that Soros institution most likely will become one more among those individuals and legal entities whose stance have been ignored for the last 10 years by Latvian authorities. gives some insight in the Report on the Situation of National Minorities in East Europe Countries funded by the Open Society Institution. The newspaper concludes that “Soros institution most likely will become one more among those individuals and legal entities whose stance have been ignored for the last 10 years by Latvian authorities.