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

Leader of the New Era Einars Repse has repeatedly stressed that the post of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration should be taken by a person who is able to communicate with all national minorities and religions. These were the reasons why Repse rejected the candidacy of Aleksandrs Brandavs. Repse believes that the candidate should receive society’s support. The Saeima decided to approve the government without a particular candidate for this post. Aleksandrs Brandavs says that at the beginning he perceived the reasons of his rejection as a joke, but now hopes that Einars Repse will understand that he has been mistaken. Brandavs states that it is not so important that he is assigned to this post, however, his party – the Latvian First Party – definitely wants to keep this post. During this week Brandavs will hold meetings with integration experts and officials. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane considers the candidature of Brandavs suitable for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks says that he is not very familiar with the activities of Brandavs, as Brandavs was not very active in those fields of integration where Muiznieks took an active part. However, Muiznieks claims that Repse’s objections towards Brandavs’ candidature are not serious and discriminatory.

Leader of the New Era Einars Repse has repeatedly stressed that the post of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration should be taken by a person who is able to communicate with all national minorities and religions. These were the reasons why Repse rejected the candidacy of Aleksandrs Brandavs. Repse believes that the candidate should receive societys support. The Saeima decided to approve the government without a particular candidate for this post. Aleksandrs Brandavs says that at the beginning he perceived the reasons of his rejection as a joke, but now hopes that Einars Repse will understand that he has been mistaken. Brandavs states that it is not so important that he is assigned to this post, however, his party – the Latvian First Party – definitely wants to keep this post. During this week Brandavs will hold meetings with integration experts and officials. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane considers the candidature of Brandavs suitable for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks says that he is not very familiar with the activities of Brandavs, as Brandavs was not very active in those fields of integration where Muiznieks took an active part. However, Muiznieks claims that Repses objections towards Brandavs candidature are not serious and discriminatory. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Telegraf

reports that the State Language Centre received a complaint stating that the press conference of Moscows Mayor Luzkov was held in the Russian language without a translation into Latvian. The State Language Centre will have to take a decision about a possible fine on the Riga City Council within a week. reports that the State Language Centre received a complaint stating that the press conference of Moscow’s Mayor Luzkov was held in the Russian language without a translation into Latvian. The State Language Centre will have to take a decision about a possible fine on the Riga City Council within a week. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii The Kurzeme District Court found executive chairperson of Helsinki 86 in Liepaja and head of the information unit of youth FF/LNNK organisation Guntars Landmanis guilty for inciting national hatred and intolerance. Guntars Landmanis distributed monthly bulletin “Patriot” which published articles aimed at inciting national hatred against Jews.

The Kurzeme District Court found executive chairperson of Helsinki 86 in Liepaja and head of the information unit of youth FF/LNNK organisation Guntars Landmanis guilty for inciting national hatred and intolerance. Guntars Landmanis distributed monthly bulletin Patriot which published articles aimed at inciting national hatred against Jews. Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga

Today the Riga Centre District Court will review the claim of Eduard Vasilyev and Yulia Bogdanova against the Central Electoral Commission. Bogdanova and Vasilyev were not satisfied with the response of the CEC regarding when, who and why they as non-citizens were deprived of the right to participate in elections.

Today the Riga Centre District Court will review the claim of Eduard Vasilyev and Yulia Bogdanova against the Central Electoral Commission. Bogdanova and Vasilyev were not satisfied with the response of the CEC regarding when, who and why they as non-citizens were deprived of the right to participate in elections. Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya

Aleksandr Rzavin publishes a long article about national symbols of Latvia, including the national anthem, and the perceptions of non-Latvians.

Aleksandr Rzavin publishes a long article about national symbols of Latvia, including the national anthem, and the perceptions of non-Latvians. Panorama Latvii

Advisor to Moscow Mayor Yurij Luzkov Konstantin Zatulin stated that it seems that Russians residing in Latvia should not rely on the new government and that progress in the field of human rights has been very small during these 10 years.

Advisor to Moscow Mayor Yurij Luzkov Konstantin Zatulin stated that it seems that Russians residing in Latvia should not rely on the new government and that progress in the field of human rights has been very small during these 10 years. Vesti Segodnya

Russian politician Mikhail Margelov says that the work on signing a Latvian-Russian border treaty shows some progress.The Latvian government approved the treaty nearly five years ago, however, the treaty still has not been signed and ratified. Margelov says that both countries are on their way to signing the treaty, however, he did not name a specific date when this could happen.

Russian politician Mikhail Margelov says that the work on signing a Latvian-Russian border treaty shows some progress.The Latvian government approved the treaty nearly five years ago, however, the treaty still has not been signed and ratified. Margelov says that both countries are on their way to signing the treaty, however, he did not name a specific date when this could happen. Neatkariga