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 President of Latvia has invited people to apply for Latvian citizenship
• The Saeimas Speaker on citizenship and language issues
• The EU Commissioner in Charge of External Relations criticizes EU stance in negotiations with Russia
• The Prime Minister of Russia on the Russian societys attitudes towards events in Latvia and Estonia
• Discussion on patriotism in the Latvian National Armed Forces
• Survey shows the growing number of Latvian patriots

Addressing Latvian residents on the 85th anniversary of Latvia’s independence, the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has stated that all people are equal in Latvia, and everybody have opportunities to become Latvian citizens if they feel ready for this. Vaira Vike-Freiberga has invited people who were born in Latvia and have chosen Latvia as the place of permanent residence, to apply for Latvian citizenship. The President has also stressed the need for preserving the Latvian language.

Addressing Latvian residents on the 85th anniversary of Latvias independence, the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has stated that all people are equal in Latvia, and everybody have opportunities to become Latvian citizens if they feel ready for this. Vaira Vike-Freiberga has invited people who were born in Latvia and have chosen Latvia as the place of permanent residence, to apply for Latvian citizenship. The President has also stressed the need for preserving the Latvian language. The Official Gazette, Diena

At the Saeima’s session devoted to the 85th anniversary of Latvia’s independence, the Saeima’s Speaker Ingrida Udre has suggested to consider granting Latvian citizenship to the non-citizens’ children, who have grown up in the orphanages, automatically . Ingrida Udre has also stressed that political forces claiming to represent minority interests do not invite non-citizens to naturalize and thus to participate in political life. According to Udre, these politicians ignore the fact that for ordinary people solving social problems is a priority. The Saeima’s Speaker has also stated that Latvia is open to diversity of cultures and languages, but will require the respect for the Latvian language as the main condition of the nation’s existence.

At the Saeimas session devoted to the 85th anniversary of Latvias independence, the Saeimas Speaker Ingrida Udre has suggested to consider granting Latvian citizenship to the non-citizens children, who have grown up in the orphanages, automatically . Ingrida Udre has also stressed that political forces claiming to represent minority interests do not invite non-citizens to naturalize and thus to participate in political life. According to Udre, these politicians ignore the fact that for ordinary people solving social problems is a priority. The Saeimas Speaker has also stated that Latvia is open to diversity of cultures and languages, but will require the respect for the Latvian language as the main condition of the nations existence. The Official Gazette, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, the EU Commissioner in Charge of External Relations Chris Patten has pointed to the lack of a clear and unified EU stance in negotiations with Russia. Around half of the representatives of the EU states have supported Chris Patten.

At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, the EU Commissioner in Charge of External Relations Chris Patten has pointed to the lack of a clear and unified EU stance in negotiations with Russia. Around half of the representatives of the EU states have supported Chris Patten. The Official Gazette, Diena, Lauku Avize, Telegraf, Neatkariga Rita Avize

After the meeting with the Prime Minister of Finland, the Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Kasyanov has stated that negative perceptions of events taking place in Latvia and Estonia in the Russian society are connected primarily with the activities of these states’ officials regarding non-citizens. According to him, Russia is ready for cooperation and resolution of these problems together with the governments of Latvia and Estonia, and civil society.

After the meeting with the Prime Minister of Finland, the Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Kasyanov has stated that negative perceptions of events taking place in Latvia and Estonia in the Russian society are connected primarily with the activities of these states officials regarding non-citizens. According to him, Russia is ready for cooperation and resolution of these problems together with the governments of Latvia and Estonia, and civil society. Chas

Lauku Avize interviews the officials and soldiers of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) about the meaning of patriotism. The head of the Culture Affairs Department of the NAF Commanders Office Edite Sondovica has pointed to the lack of Latvian language skills among many soldiers. She believes that the starting point for patriotism is the Latvian language proficiency.

74,6% of Latvian residents consider themselves as Latvian patriots (18,8% do not consider themselves as such and 6,6% had no answer). According to the social research center SKDS, the number of people considering themselves as Latvian patriots has increased over the last years.

74,6% of Latvian residents consider themselves as Latvian patriots (18,8% do not consider themselves as such and 6,6% had no answer). According to the social research center SKDS, the number of people considering themselves as Latvian patriots has increased over the last years. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas