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.

• Number of naturalisation applications has increased
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga calls to condemn the crimes of the Soviet regime
• Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks: political declaration, submitted by Russia, contains issues not acceptable for Latvia
• New Era: the Russian President Vladimir Putin intervenes in domestic affairs of Latvia
• Neatkariga Rita Avize criticises the decision of members of Saeima to suspend a discussion on the draft law, stipulating the prohibitions for persons with double citizenship to hold a number of offices
• Interview with ethno-psychologist Oleg Nikiforov
• Article about marriage traditions of Roma in Latvia

The number of naturalisation applications received by the Naturalisation Board in 2004 has increased by 10, 028 applications in comparison to 2003. In 2004 the Naturalisation Board received 21,297 applications.

The number of naturalisation applications received by the Naturalisation Board in 2004 has increased by 10, 028 applications in comparison to 2003. In 2004 the Naturalisation Board received 21,297 applications. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has called foreign diplomats to encourage Russia to condemn crimes committed by the Soviet regime. The President stated that Russia should have an objective look at her history and refers to the example of Germany after the World War II. The President has also issued an official statement where she states that for Latvia World War II ended only in 1990.

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has called foreign diplomats to encourage Russia to condemn crimes committed by the Soviet regime. The President stated that Russia should have an objective look at her history and refers to the example of Germany after the World War II. The President has also issued an official statement where she states that for Latvia World War II ended only in 1990. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks announced that the political declaration, submitted by Russia, contains issues which are not acceptable for Latvia. Nevertheless, the Minister does not reveal what exactly is included in the declaration. While the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij stated that the proposal of Artis Pabriks to include condemnation of the Stalin’s repressions in this document is not acceptable for Russia. The Russian Ambassador also stresses that the document will not be approved if it will have the word ‘occupation’ in it.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks announced that the political declaration, submitted by Russia, contains issues which are not acceptable for Latvia. Nevertheless, the Minister does not reveal what exactly is included in the declaration. While the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij stated that the proposal of Artis Pabriks to include condemnation of the Stalins repressions in this document is not acceptable for Russia. The Russian Ambassador also stresses that the document will not be approved if it will have the word ‘occupation in it. Diena

The New Era’s parliamentary group plans to call members of Saeima to adopt a resolution condemning the recent statements of the Russian President Vladimir Putin. In one of his recent press conferences the Russian President announced that the number of Russian-speakers who work at Latvian state authorities should be proportional to their total number in the country. The New Era has developed a draft resolution which states that the goal of Latvia is an integrated civic society and people are employed not according to their ethnicity, but proficiency, experience and competence. The draft resolution also states that the Putin’s statements are an intervention in Latvia’s domestic affairs. For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has already expressed its support for this resolution, while the governing parties have not discussed it yet.

The New Eras parliamentary group plans to call members of Saeima to adopt a resolution condemning the recent statements of the Russian President Vladimir Putin. In one of his recent press conferences the Russian President announced that the number of Russian-speakers who work at Latvian state authorities should be proportional to their total number in the country. The New Era has developed a draft resolution which states that the goal of Latvia is an integrated civic society and people are employed not according to their ethnicity, but proficiency, experience and competence. The draft resolution also states that the Putins statements are an intervention in Latvias domestic affairs. For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has already expressed its support for this resolution, while the governing parties have not discussed it yet. Latvijas Avize

Neatkariga Rita Avize criticises the decision of members of Saeima to suspend a discussion on the draft law, stipulating the prohibitions for persons with double citizenship to hold a number of offices. The newspaper blames the authors of the draft – the Peoples Party - for manipulating with this in the competition with other political forces.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with ethno-psychologist Oleg Nikiforov about differences between Latvians and Russians and manifestation of these differences in their relations. Oleg Nikiforov reproaches Latvians for misshaping the understanding of national identity, which, according to Oleg Nikorof, Latvians ties only with the Latvian language proficiency. The ethno-psychologist believes that because of the minority education reform minority students will not become patriots of Latvia. He argues that the term ‘homeland should also include ‘positive childhood and youth memories.

Dienas supplement Sestdiena features an article about the marriage traditions of Roma in Latvia.