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.

Regarding the extension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mandate, the head of the OSCE mission to Latvia Peter Semneby says in an interview in the newspaper "

Regarding the extension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mandate, the head of the OSCE mission to Latvia Peter Semneby says in an interview in the newspaper "Telegraf" that the mission's task is not to wait for the full implementation of its recommendations in Latvian legislation "including all commas." This week, Semneby is scheduled to report on Latvia's achievements at the OSCE headquarters in Vienna and after that a decision will be made on whether to extend the mandate for one more year. Semneby stresses in the interview that the purpose of the mission is to spotlight problems and the need to tackle them. However, he admitted that these issues can never be solved completely and the mission therefore would have to stay in Latvia "eternally." According to Semneby, if the decision on closure of the mission in Latvia were adopted, it would mean that the mission has concluded its operations there and Latvian politicians would tackle their problems on their own in the future. At the same time, it does not mean that monitoring of the process would be discontinued, because the OSCE high commissioner would continue observation of the situation.

Visiting the TV show “Official point of view” OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby said that the fate of the Mission would be decided after his report on the situation in Latvia to the Permanent Council in Vienna. Speaking about the proposal of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to amend the election law Mr.Semneby said that it was a very important problem – it was linked to the basic principles of democracy and human rights. Moreover, if the amendments were not adopted, then the composition of the Saeima and municipalities would not change radically. When asked about presence of any monitoring in Latvia if the Mission were closed and whether radicals would not use this absence, the HoM answered that the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner allowed him to deal with any problem that could arise. In addition now quite serious NGOs existed in Latvia, and the Ambassador did not see any risk to leave the country.

Visiting the TV show Official point of view OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby said that the fate of the Mission would be decided after his report on the situation in Latvia to the Permanent Council in Vienna. Speaking about the proposal of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to amend the election law Mr.Semneby said that it was a very important problem – it was linked to the basic principles of democracy and human rights. Moreover, if the amendments were not adopted, then the composition of the Saeima and municipalities would not change radically. When asked about presence of any monitoring in Latvia if the Mission were closed and whether radicals would not use this absence, the HoM answered that the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner allowed him to deal with any problem that could arise. In addition now quite serious NGOs existed in Latvia, and the Ambassador did not see any risk to leave the country. Panorama Latvii

Newspaper

Newspaper Telegraf asked human rights activist, MP B.Cilevich about the situation with human rights in Latvia after the OSCE Mission to Latvia was closed. Mr.Cilevich answered that EU was dealing with human rights solely on the level of political bargaining. Thiis topic now is not reflected in any juridically binding document. Even in the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights there is nothing on national minorities. And the OSCE Mission was the only quality resource of information for many years. And the reason why EU officials did not stand up for the Mission is that they do not need an additional source of headache.

The 5th congress of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK), held at the Riga Congress Center yesterday, passed several resolutions. TB/LNNK believes that the limitations on the language proficiency should be retained for those citizens of Latvia that want to run for Saeima or municipal elections. The statement notes that the existing limitations have given positive results - there is nobody in the Saeima that does not know the Latvian language, however Russian is still the working language in some of the local governments even ten years after the restoration of independence. This is unacceptable from the point of view of observing the rights of the Latvian language. TB/LNNK calls for consistent observance of transition to instruction in the state language by the year 2004, as defined by the legislation.

The 5th congress of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK), held at the Riga Congress Center yesterday, passed several resolutions. TB/LNNK believes that the limitations on the language proficiency should be retained for those citizens of Latvia that want to run for Saeima or municipal elections. The statement notes that the existing limitations have given positive results - there is nobody in the Saeima that does not know the Latvian language, however Russian is still the working language in some of the local governments even ten years after the restoration of independence. This is unacceptable from the point of view of observing the rights of the Latvian language. TB/LNNK calls for consistent observance of transition to instruction in the state language by the year 2004, as defined by the legislation. LETA

No self-criticism at "Fatherlanders'" congress. For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians spoke of the party’s hopeful future by reminding of the party’s good work so far and by encouraging statements during the TB/LNNK congress on Saturday, says Diena. Maris Grinblats was again convincingly elected the party’s chairman, Vladimirs Makarovs and Janis Straume became his deputies. During the congress, TB/LNNK board was also elected, where party’s regional offices are now represented on a greater scale, which means that TB/LNNK’s work is becoming more active in regions. Diena adds that there was no heated political debates at the congress. NRA and

No self-criticism at "Fatherlanders'" congress. For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians spoke of the partys hopeful future by reminding of the partys good work so far and by encouraging statements during the TB/LNNK congress on Saturday, says Diena. Maris Grinblats was again convincingly elected the partys chairman, Vladimirs Makarovs and Janis Straume became his deputies. During the congress, TB/LNNK board was also elected, where partys regional offices are now represented on a greater scale, which means that TB/LNNKs work is becoming more active in regions. Diena adds that there was no heated political debates at the congress. NRA and Chas say that the congresss main theme was protection of the state language and national interests, which means that the "Fatherlanders" have therefore privatised the niche of national policy. Whereas VZ says that there was a rather depressing atmosphere the congress, which is most likely due to the partys low rating and concerns about its chances at the eighth Saeima elections. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins is optimistic that Tuesday’s decision on the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be favourable for Latvia even without amending the election law. One may hope for it because Latvia has fulfilled all the guidelines; it will be also stated in the report the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby. Prime Minister expressed his conviction on Saturday after the meeting of the heads of EU states and governments.

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins is optimistic that Tuesdays decision on the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be favourable for Latvia even without amending the election law. One may hope for it because Latvia has fulfilled all the guidelines; it will be also stated in the report the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby. Prime Minister expressed his conviction on Saturday after the meeting of the heads of EU states and governments. Diena

There have not been any concrete results of the Riga City Council delegation to Moscow – this was the conclusion of the Riga City mayor G.Bojars.

There have not been any concrete results of the Riga City Council delegation to Moscow – this was the conclusion of the Riga City mayor G.Bojars. Diena, Neatkariga