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.

• Mayor of Latgales town about integration
• Journalists from Russia visit Latvia
• FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere has asked general director of the National TV Uldis Grava to consider the possibility of showing movies in original languages
• St. Petersburg mayor presents gift to Latvias Orthodox church

Lauku Avize

talks to Balvi Town Council Mayor Janis Trupovnieks. Balvi is a small town in the eastern part of Latvia, close to the border with Russia. When asked whether the town is ready for the education reform in 2004, the mayor says that Balvi does not have serious language problems as 75% of residents in its district are Latvians and if the decision is taken to implement the reform in 2004 the reform will be implemented. talks to Balvi Town Council Mayor Janis Trupovnieks. Balvi is a small town in the eastern part of Latvia, close to the border with Russia. When asked whether the town is ready for the education reform in 2004, the mayor says that Balvi does not have serious language problems as 75% of residents in its district are Latvians and if the decision is taken to implement the reform in 2004 the reform will be implemented.

Lauku Avize

reports about journalists from Russia visiting Latvia. The visit was organised by the Latvian Institute and the American NGO Freedom House. One of the journalists admits that the problem of Russians residing in Latvia is that they do not have one unified organisation. Another journalist states that he does not see any difference between Russia and Latvia – cities look the same and the Russian language is heard and spoken everywhere. Another conclusion was that integration and naturalisation issues are exaggerated and politicised. A journalist from St.Petersburg comments on the education reform in 2004, stating that her impression is that people lack exact information what will happen in 2004, which causes concern and fears. The journalist also adds that their meeting with the Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration was very pleasant, however, she could not understand what the actual tasks of the minister will be. reports about journalists from Russia visiting Latvia. The visit was organised by the Latvian Institute and the American NGO “Freedom House.” One of the journalists admits that the problem of Russians residing in Latvia is that they do not have one unified organisation. Another journalist states that he does not see any difference between Russia and Latvia – cities look the same and the Russian language is heard and spoken everywhere. Another conclusion was that integration and naturalisation issues are exaggerated and politicised. A journalist from St.Petersburg comments on the education reform in 2004, stating that her impression is that people lack exact information what will happen in 2004, which causes concern and fears. The journalist also adds that their meeting with the Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration was very pleasant, however, she could not understand what the actual tasks of the minister will be. FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere has asked general director of the National TV Uldis Grava to consider the possibility to show movies in their original languages with subtitles in the Latvian language. Chairperson of the National Radio and TV Council Ojars Rubenis admits that the National TV could air more movies in their original languages, however, it should be very seriously considered from two perspectives – both technically and legally, as current legislation restricts the usage of foreign languages to a maximum of 20% in national TV programmes.

FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere has asked general director of the National TV Uldis Grava to consider the possibility to show movies in their original languages with subtitles in the Latvian language. Chairperson of the National Radio and TV Council Ojars Rubenis admits that the National TV could air more movies in their original languages, however, it should be very seriously considered from two perspectives – both technically and legally, as current legislation restricts the usage of foreign languages to a maximum of 20% in national TV programmes. BNS

St. Petersburg mayor presents gift to Latvia’s Orthodox church. Mayor Vladmir Yakovlev and a delegation from St. Petersburg presented a recently cast bell, which will be placed in a cathedral in Latgale. Russian Ambassador Igor Studennnikov participated at the presentation ceremony.

St. Petersburg mayor presents gift to Latvias Orthodox church. Mayor Vladmir Yakovlev and a delegation from St. Petersburg presented a recently cast bell, which will be placed in a cathedral in Latgale. Russian Ambassador Igor Studennnikov participated at the presentation ceremony. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf