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.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

According to the latest social opinion polls left-wing party FHRUL has the highest popularity rating among parties in the current Saeima. Political scientists believe that FHRUL could be one of the three most popular parties and even win in the next Saeima elections. Latgales Gaisma headed by Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims is named among the most serious competitors of FHRUL. Social integration and representation of Russian-speakers’ interests in the spheres of language, citizenship and education issues, good neighbouring relations with Russia are the key areas FHRUL works in and attracts a stable electorate.

According to the latest social opinion polls left-wing party FHRUL has the highest popularity rating among parties in the current Saeima. Political scientists believe that FHRUL could be one of the three most popular parties and even win in the next Saeima elections. Latgales Gaisma headed by Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims is named among the most serious competitors of FHRUL. Social integration and representation of Russian-speakers interests in the spheres of language, citizenship and education issues, good neighbouring relations with Russia are the key areas FHRUL works in and attracts a stable electorate. Diena

The Constitutional Court has already received 500 complaints from private persons and reviewed 10 of them since July 1 last year. Chairperson of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins believes that many politicians consider the Court nuisance, while the report of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies notes that the Constitutional Court has become an important instrument for the protection of human rights.

The Constitutional Court has already received 500 complaints from private persons and reviewed 10 of them since July 1 last year. Chairperson of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins believes that many politicians consider the Court nuisance, while the report of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies notes that the Constitutional Court has become an important instrument for the protection of human rights. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja

reports about a visit of American ambassador Brian Carlson to Daugavpils. The ambassador was satisfied with the visit and stated that the embassy of the USA will support naturalisation of Latvian non-citizens by various means. reports about a visit of American ambassador Brian Carlson to Daugavpils. The ambassador was satisfied with the visit and stated that the embassy of the USA will support naturalisation of Latvian non-citizens by various means.

Telegraf

publishes a long interview with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga concerning education reform. The President believes that schools are ready for the switch of secondary schools to the Latvian language in 2004. She states that if the reform is not conducted two communities would continue their co-existence in Latvia, therefore the Law on Education will not be amended. Regarding the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, the President says that Latvia is not ready to ratify it, as an unresolved issue is the definition of a national minority in Latvia. Vaira Vike-Freiberga says that she has not decided on a proper formulation herself. publishes a long interview with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga concerning education reform. The President believes that schools are ready for the switch of secondary schools to the Latvian language in 2004. She states that if the reform is not conducted two communities would continue their co-existence in Latvia, therefore the Law on Education will not be amended. Regarding the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, the President says that Latvia is not ready to ratify it, as an unresolved issue is the definition of a national minority in Latvia. Vaira Vike-Freiberga says that she has not decided on a proper formulation herself. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii