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.

• Latvian politicians surprised by Mihail Margelovs positive attitude
• School action against education reform
• Following the exclusion of Sergey Dolgopolov other Peoples Harmony Party members may leave the party as well
• Nikolay Tess convicted of war crimes

Russian Upper House representative, Edinstvo member and head of the Foreign Relations Committee Mihail Margelov surprised several Latvian politicians by a more positive attitude towards Latvia and lack of criticism on minority rights.  In an interview in Telegraf Margelov is also critical of those local politicians who make a “profit-making profession out of defending Russian-speakers”. Mr Margelov predicts that Latvian-Russian relations will improve after Latvia joins the EU, and calls for non-political economic relations and a speedy settlement of the border agreement issues.  Many commentators cautioned that although hopeful signs his positive statements should not be overinterpreted to mean that Russia’s policy will change.

Russian Upper House representative, Edinstvo member and head of the Foreign Relations Committee Mihail Margelov surprised several Latvian politicians by a more positive attitude towards Latvia and lack of criticism on minority rights. In an interview in Telegraf Margelov is also critical of those local politicians who make a profit-making profession out of defending Russian-speakers. Mr Margelov predicts that Latvian-Russian relations will improve after Latvia joins the EU, and calls for non-political economic relations and a speedy settlement of the border agreement issues. Many commentators cautioned that although hopeful signs his positive statements should not be overinterpreted to mean that Russias policy will change. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Latvijas Vçstnesis, Telegraf, Vesti segodnya

Yesterday there was a small-scale demonstration against the minority school reform, by upper-class students and school representatives of Riga school No. 32 who were “on strike”. Parliamentary deputy Tolmačovs (FHRUL) participated and called the demonstration a meeting with voters. 

Yesterday there was a small-scale demonstration against the minority school reform, by upper-class students and school representatives of Riga school No. 32 who were on strike. Parliamentary deputy Tolmačovs (FHRUL) participated and called the demonstration a meeting with voters. Latvijas Avize reports that the demonstration was ignored by Latvian media, while several Russian media reported it. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti segodnya

As a protest against the exclusion from People’s Harmony Party of Sergey Dolgopolov, Riga Council deputy Leonid Kurdjumov has decided to leave the party.  Several other party members Riga Council deputies are said to be thinking about the matter.

As a protest against the exclusion from Peoples Harmony Party of Sergey Dolgopolov, Riga Council deputy Leonid Kurdjumov has decided to leave the party. Several other party members Riga Council deputies are said to be thinking about the matter. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Nikolay Tess was convicted of war crimes yesterday for the deportation of 42 families to Siberia in 1949, while working as a Latvian Soviet Security Ministry staff.  He received a two-year suspended sentence with the argument that he is old, in poor health and that he signed the deportation order while acting under instructions by higher authorities.

Nikolay Tess was convicted of war crimes yesterday for the deportation of 42 families to Siberia in 1949, while working as a Latvian Soviet Security Ministry staff. He received a two-year suspended sentence with the argument that he is old, in poor health and that he signed the deportation order while acting under instructions by higher authorities. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti segodnya, Chas, Telegraf