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.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Latvia’s Way Saeima faction could come up with the amendments to the Election Law in the Saeima after Eastern Holidays. LW judicial committee and faction’s representatives are working at the amendments right now.

Latvias Way Saeima faction could come up with the amendments to the Election Law in the Saeima after Eastern Holidays. LW judicial committee and factions representatives are working at the amendments right now. Diena

Vesti Segodnja

writes the report developed by the parliamentarians of the European Parliament also supports idea of Mr. Stoudmann about increasing the role of the Russian language in Latvia. The newspaper also notes other issues which Latvia should paid attention to: increase speed of naturalization process, allot more funding for integration projects, lift language requirement for election candidates from the Election Law and ratify the Framework Convention. The newspaper concludes that there are only two options for Latvia either to ratify the Framework Convention or stay in isolation. writes “the report developed by the parliamentarians of the European Parliament also supports idea of Mr. Stoudmann about increasing the role of the Russian language in Latvia”. The newspaper also notes other issues which Latvia should paid attention to: increase speed of naturalization process, allot more funding for integration projects, lift language requirement for election candidates from the Election Law and ratify the Framework Convention. The newspaper concludes that there are only two options for Latvia either to ratify the Framework Convention or stay in isolation. Columnist Abik Elkin comments on Russian political scientist Sergey Markov’s, the member of Council on Interior and Defense Policy (CIDP) of Russian Federation, statement that “Moscow can use the problem of Russian-speaking population to stop Baltic States’ inspirations to join NATO”. The journalist provides the statements of other members of CIDP who assures that their opinion and the opinion of official Moscow is that these are two completely different issues.

Columnist Abik Elkin comments on Russian political scientist Sergey Markovs, the member of Council on Interior and Defense Policy (CIDP) of Russian Federation, statement that Moscow can use the problem of Russian-speaking population to stop Baltic States inspirations to join NATO. The journalist provides the statements of other members of CIDP who assures that their opinion and the opinion of official Moscow is that these are two completely different issues. Vesti Segodnja

Moscow wants European standards concerning the rights of ethnic minorities to be applied in Latvia and Estonia with regard to the Russian-speaking population, said Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. "We want neither more, nor less," said the minister Tuesday, addressing a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's permanent commission. He expressed hope that these countries' forthcoming accession to the European Union would serve to enforce these principles. Ivanov said that Moscow is interested in maintaining good- neighborly and constructive relations with Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. "But we cannot shut our eyes to the problems that exist," the Russian minister said. "We are not asking for more than observing the principles that exist in Europe guaranteeing the rights of ethnic minorities," he remarked. "It is our sincere hope that the leaderships of these states will make corrections to their policies on this issue," the minister said.

Moscow wants European standards concerning the rights of ethnic minorities to be applied in Latvia and Estonia with regard to the Russian-speaking population, said Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. "We want neither more, nor less," said the minister Tuesday, addressing a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's permanent commission. He expressed hope that these countries' forthcoming accession to the European Union would serve to enforce these principles. Ivanov said that Moscow is interested in maintaining good- neighborly and constructive relations with Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. "But we cannot shut our eyes to the problems that exist," the Russian minister said. "We are not asking for more than observing the principles that exist in Europe guaranteeing the rights of ethnic minorities," he remarked. "It is our sincere hope that the leaderships of these states will make corrections to their policies on this issue," the minister said. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Chas

interviews New Era leader Einars Repse. He believes that the best for Latvia is gradual and complete integration while people who are integrated know Latvian and respects the country. His party has not planned any specific initiatives to attract Russian electorate. Regarding education reform in 2004, Repse says that his party will follow the existing legislation, but we will take care that schools have qualified teachers who speak Latvian. interviews New Era leader Einars Repse. He believes that the best for Latvia is gradual and complete integration while people who are integrated know Latvian and respects the country. His party has not planned any specific initiatives to attract Russian electorate. Regarding education reform in 2004, Repse says that his party will follow the existing legislation, “but we will take care that schools have qualified teachers who speak Latvian.” The Government has entered amendments to the statutes of the State Language Center. According to

The Government has entered amendments to the statutes of the State Language Center. According to Chas the new amendments, first, enlarge the circle of persons who are entitled to examine language certificates, second, these persons are entitled to take part at the examinations of the state language as observers, and third, they can, after establishing violation, invite anybody to the State Language Center. Riga City Council FHRUL deputy Genadij Kotov believes that the new amendments were introduced partly because of the situation when 6 Riga City Council deputies refused to re-take state language examination. Telegraf

Telegraf

inquires some Latvian MPs and party leader about the decision of the Estonian Government to postpone the education reform. Dzintars Abikis, Juris Bojars, Juris Dobelis and Kristiana Libane believe that Latvia has different circumstances and it should not postpone its education reform scheduled for 2004. inquires some Latvian MPs and party leader about the decision of the Estonian Government to postpone the education reform. Dzintars Abikis, Juris Bojars, Juris Dobelis and Kristiana Libane believe that Latvia has different circumstances and it should not postpone its education reform scheduled for 2004.

Telegraf

talks to Baltic Media Facts director general Kaspars Ults. About the future of the press in Russian he says, it depends on integration, social economic situation. Right now there is absolutely no tendency showing decrease in Russian audience in Latvia. talks to Baltic Media Facts director general Kaspars Ults. About the future of the press in Russian he says, “it depends on integration, social economic situation. Right now there is absolutely no tendency showing decrease in Russian audience in Latvia”.