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.

• The letter of Juris Dobelis has provoked EPs criticism about Martjan Bekasovs recall
• Rigas Deputy Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov about integration
• Latvian officials meet with Latvian Diaspora in Russia
• A. Kazakov on improving the dialog between Latvian government and Russian-speaking population
• A positive experience of a kindergartens teacher in promoting ethnic tolerance

Several deputies of the European Parliament consider the Saeima’s decision to recall Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer as anti-democratic and violating human rights. This issue will be possibly discussed at the EP’s session this week in Strasburg. The letter of Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK) has increased the EP’s attention to the case of Bekasov’s recall. Dobelis wrote in the letter that Bekasov has distributed defaming information about Latvia in the EP, which in his opinion was in contradiction with the state interests. He has also pointed out that four MPs from the Latvian Socialist Party have voted against Latvia’s accession to the EU.

Several deputies of the European Parliament consider the Saeimas decision to recall Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer as anti-democratic and violating human rights. This issue will be possibly discussed at the EPs session this week in Strasburg. The letter of Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK) has increased the EPs attention to the case of Bekasovs recall. Dobelis wrote in the letter that Bekasov has distributed defaming information about Latvia in the EP, which in his opinion was in contradiction with the state interests. He has also pointed out that four MPs from the Latvian Socialist Party have voted against Latvias accession to the EU. Diena

Rigas Balss features an interview with the Rigas Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov, who has the highest rating (supported by 37,2% of Latvians and 58,9 of non-Latvians) among the Riga City Councils officials. Speaking about integration in Riga, Sergey Dolgopolov believes that people are sufficiently tolerant in daily life, but there should be also more tolerance showed by the government institutions and municipalities, as integration is a two-way process. According to him, municipalities and the state should make decisions which are supported by the largest part of the society.

Yesterday, in commemoration of the 85-anniversary of Latvia’s independence, a meeting with the representatives of Latvian national societies in Russia was held at the Embassy of Latvia to Russia. The representatives of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) and of the Special Task Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat have informed the participants about opportunities of applying  for SIF funding.

Yesterday, in commemoration of the 85-anniversary of Latvias independence, a meeting with the representatives of Latvian national societies in Russia was held at the Embassy of Latvia to Russia. The representatives of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) and of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat have informed the participants about opportunities of applying for SIF funding. Vesti Segodnya

Alexander Kazakov, assistant to the head of the Russia State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has sent a concept of negotiations between Latvia and Russia to the Russian government. He suggests that Russia should urge the EU to recommend to Latvian officials to make a dialog with the Russian speaking population of the country.

Alexander Kazakov, assistant to the head of the Russia State Dumas Foreign Affairs Committee, has sent a concept of negotiations between Latvia and Russia to the Russian government. He suggests that Russia should urge the EU to recommend to Latvian officials to make a dialog with the Russian speaking population of the country. Vesty Segodnya

Chas prints an article about a positive experience of a kindergarten with the Latvian language and Russian language streams. In her work, the teacher is promoting ethnic tolerance and Latvian language knowledge.