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

Chas

publishes an article by MP Boris Tsilevich about the planned switch of secondary minority education in 2004. He states that the switch is the most painful issue for Russians in Latvia. He agrees that all Russian-speakers have to know the state language, but opposes the idea that the instruction language at schools should be only Latvian. Boris Tsilevich is convinced that a reform should be implemented in the school system and provides his ideas in this respect. The key concept is that school should prepare a child, irrespective of language, for real life, and in Latvia that means that any child should speak many languages. He believes that the situation can be solved if officials at the Ministry of Education are professionals and do not politicise the issue. publishes an article by MP Boris Tsilevich about the planned switch of secondary minority education in 2004. He states that the switch is the most painful issue for Russians in Latvia. He agrees that all Russian-speakers have to know the state language, but opposes the idea that the instruction language at schools should be only Latvian. Boris Tsilevich is convinced that a reform should be implemented in the school system and provides his ideas in this respect. The key concept is that school should prepare a child, irrespective of language, for real life, and in Latvia that means that any child should speak many languages. He believes that the situation can be solved if officials at the Ministry of Education are professionals and do not politicise the issue.

Panorama Latvii

provides brief comments on two selected candidates for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. Agris Timuska believes that When language policy is developed, attention should be focused on the protection of the interests of the Latvian language. The centre should monitor whether elaborated language protection mechanisms are really effective. Maris Birzgalis, in his turn, states that the Presidents Official Language Commission should develop language policy and the Centre should be allotted more funding in order to increase the number of language inspectors. The Minister of Justice will appoint the new director of the Centre. provides brief comments on two selected candidates for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. Agris Timuska believes that “When language policy is developed, attention should be focused on the protection of the interests of the Latvian language. The centre should monitor whether elaborated language protection mechanisms are really effective.” Maris Birzgalis, in his turn, states that the President’s Official Language Commission should develop language policy and the Centre should be allotted more funding in order to increase the number of language inspectors. The Minister of Justice will appoint the new director of the Centre. On Friday, chairman of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs Edvins Inkens met leaders of the International Roma Organisation. Possibilities for Latvia to take part in a specific programme aimed at the improvement of the socio-economic situation of Roma in Latvia, formation of the Information Centre and the elections of the European Parliament were the key discussion topics.

On Friday, chairman of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs Edvins Inkens met leaders of the International Roma Organisation. Possibilities for Latvia to take part in a specific programme aimed at the improvement of the socio-economic situation of Roma in Latvia, formation of the Information Centre and the elections of the European Parliament were the key discussion topics. Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes a detailed quarterly report of the National Human Rights Office. During the first 6 months the National Human Rights Office received 307 written and 1147 verbal complaints. The NHRO received only 2 written and 10 verbal complaints about discrimination on ethnic or language grounds. The majority of complaints are about the rights to housing and social security. publishes a detailed quarterly report of the National Human Rights Office. During the first 6 months the National Human Rights Office received 307 written and 1147 verbal complaints. The NHRO received only 2 written and 10 verbal complaints about discrimination on ethnic or language grounds. The majority of complaints are about the rights to housing and social security.

Panorama Latvii

interviews social democrat Janis Dinevics. When asked whether Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, Dinevics states that he is not authorised to speak for his party, but his personal opinion is that the Convention should be ratified. Regarding the education reform in 2004, he says that the reform should be implemented, however, without any strict time restrictions – when a school is ready it implements the reform. interviews social democrat Janis Dinevics. When asked whether Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, Dinevics states that he is not authorised to speak for his party, but his personal opinion is that the Convention should be ratified. Regarding the education reform in 2004, he says that the reform should be implemented, however, without any strict time restrictions – when a school is ready it implements the reform.

Vesti Segodnya

reports that according to candidate of the Peoples Party, political scientist Artis Pabriks, some 20-25% of Peoples Partys supporters will be Russians. The newspaper doubts it, as the latest pre-election activities of the party are aimed at radically different target group –- legionnaires. reports that according to candidate of the People’s Party, political scientist Artis Pabriks, some 20-25% of People’s Party’s supporters will be Russians. The newspaper doubts it, as the latest pre-election activities of the party are aimed at radically different target group –- legionnaires.

Neatkariga

publishes the list of the most popular persons in Latvia in July. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is holding the first place, followed by Saeima Speaker Janis Straume and MP Silvija Dreimane. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse is the fourth most popular person in the country, although his rating has decreased among non-citizens. The list of three most unpopular persons in Latvia remains the same for months – leader of Equality party Tatyana Zdanoka, leader of the Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks and leader of the Peoples Party Andris Skele. publishes the list of the most popular persons in Latvia in July. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is holding the first place, followed by Saeima Speaker Janis Straume and MP Silvija Dreimane. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse is the fourth most popular person in the country, although his rating has decreased among non-citizens. The list of three most unpopular persons in Latvia remains the same for months – leader of Equality party Tatyana Zdanoka, leader of the Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks and leader of the People’s Party Andris Skele. ChasChas