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

When writing about the importance of elections,

When writing about the importance of elections, Diena refers to sociologist Aigars Freimanis, who states that in comparison to previous elections when non-Latvians did not take an active part in the elections, the activity of Latvians and non-Latvians could be equal in the 8th Saeima elections. Sociologist Ieva Strode states that according to opinion polls, supporters of FHRUL are more motivated to take part in the elections.

According to the latest opinion poll conducted by the company “SKDS” in the middle of September the New Era for the first time has lost its long-term No. 1 position to the People’s Party. Now 18.7% of Latvian citizens would support the People’s Party, 16% - the New Era, followed by FHRUL, the Union of the Green Party and the Farmers’ Union and Latvia’s Way. FF/LNNK and the Latvian Social Democrats did not overcome the 5% barrier.

According to the latest opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS in the middle of September the New Era for the first time has lost its long-term No. 1 position to the Peoples Party. Now 18.7% of Latvian citizens would support the Peoples Party, 16% - the New Era, followed by FHRUL, the Union of the Green Party and the Farmers Union and Latvias Way. FF/LNNK and the Latvian Social Democrats did not overcome the 5% barrier. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya reports

on a conference "Societal Integration and Latvian Security" held by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (LATO) in co-operation with the World Federation of Free Latvians with the purpose of promoting a more cohesive civil society by involving ethnic minority representatives in discussions on Latvian foreign affairs and security policy. The majority of Russian-speakers residing in Latvia are rather sceptical about Latvias NATO membership as in most cases their views and opinions are formed by Russian TV channels. on a conference "Societal Integration and Latvian Security" held by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (LATO) in co-operation with the World Federation of Free Latvians with the purpose of promoting a more cohesive civil society by involving ethnic minority representatives in discussions on Latvian foreign affairs and security policy. The majority of Russian-speakers residing in Latvia are rather sceptical about Latvia’s NATO membership as in most cases their views and opinions are formed by Russian TV channels. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks comments the recent decision of the Saeima on granting the status of civil servants to firemen, thus banning non-citizens from holding this profession. He states that all Latvian non-citizens have the right to naturalise, but that the State Firefighting Service should assist any non-citizens among firefighters in naturalising.

Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks comments the recent decision of the Saeima on granting the status of civil servants to firemen, thus banning non-citizens from holding this profession. He states that all Latvian non-citizens have the right to naturalise, but that the State Firefighting Service should assist any non-citizens among firefighters in naturalising. Diena

Lauku Avize

intwerviews poet Ludmila Azarova-Vaciete whose ethnic background is Russian. She says that people representing the sphere of culture of Latvia and Russia understand each other very well, but there are people in Latvia who foment ethnic tension and do not want any integration. Regarding the language situation in the country Ludmila Azarova says that first of all Latvians themselves should respect and stand for their language. intwerviews poet Ludmila Azarova-Vaciete whose ethnic background is Russian. She says that people representing the sphere of culture of Latvia and Russia understand each other very well, but there are people in Latvia who foment ethnic tension and do not want any integration. Regarding the language situation in the country Ludmila Azarova says that first of all Latvians themselves should respect and stand for their language.

Panorama Latvii

interviews chairperson of the Council of the Russian Society in Latvia. He believes the Russian Society in Latvia has done a lot in the sphere of culture, but now should focus on socio-economic and political issues. interviews chairperson of the Council of the Russian Society in Latvia. He believes the Russian Society in Latvia has done a lot in the sphere of culture, but now should focus on socio-economic and political issues.

Panorama Latvii

publishes an open letter by leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans where he provides his arguments against a statement made by Latvian officials and political experts that the visit of Moscow Mayor Luzhkov to Riga was postponed because of Jurkans visit to Moscow and that Luzhkovs visit would show that Moscow supports the Latvian Social Democrats in the 8th Saeima elections. He assures readers that there is no discord between the Latvian Social Democrats and FHRUL in Riga City Council. publishes an open letter by leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans where he provides his arguments against a statement made by Latvian officials and political experts that the visit of Moscow Mayor Luzhkov to Riga was postponed because of Jurkans’ visit to Moscow and that Luzhkov’s visit would show that Moscow supports the Latvian Social Democrats in the 8th Saeima elections. He assures readers that there is no discord between the Latvian Social Democrats and FHRUL in Riga City Council. Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted two draft inter-state treaties stipulating easing the visa regime between Latvia and Russia submitted to Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted two draft inter-state treaties stipulating easing the visa regime between Latvia and Russia submitted to Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov. Chas, Vesti Segodnya