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.

• Vesti Segodnya interviews the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane
• Newspaper discuss commemoration of the Latvian Legionnaires Day
• Chas features an article by historian Maija Karklina about growing tendencies of xenophobia in Latvia
• Second set of municipal elections will be organised in Rezekne and Jurmala

Vesti Segodnya interviews the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. The newspaper states that although on one hand the picture concerning naturalisation looks optimistic – there are about 2,000 applicants a month, on the other hand about 22% of applicants do not pass the language test the first time. The Head of the Naturalisation Board states that the increasing number of applications is over the limits of the Boards capacity and also expresses her concern about insufficient language skills of applicants. She strictly objects to the journalists suggestion that naturalisation requirements should be eased arguing that the existing requirements are already too easy. She continues with referring to the statement of the British Ambassador who has said that after 6-8 weeks of studies any diplomat would be able to pass the Latvian language test at the required level. Eizenija Aldermane promises that no repressive measures will be taken against those applicants who are taking tests several times, however, she also notes that free of charge language courses should not be offered to all, including ones who are able to pay themselves.

Neatkariga Rita Avize prints the views of academician and deputy of the Riga City Council Janis Freimanis (the Peoples Party) on the commemoration of Latvian WW II legionnaires on 16 March. Janis Freimanis reproaches a number of politicians and media for not distinguishing between Russian and Latvian nationalists. He believes that ‘because we live in Latvia, only Latvian nationalists should be presented in the Latvias political spectrum. He also believes that politicians should not be ‘politically correct as it results in ‘the victory of red plague in the Riga City Council. While the columnist of Latvijas Avize Anda Lice points to the necessity to conduct studies about the role of the legion and make them available also for non-Latvians living in Latvia. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize

Chas features an article by historian Maija Krumina about the situation concerning extremism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. The historian argues that there are growing tendencies of extremism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism in Latvia and that ‘Latvias ruling class and a big part of the Latvian electorate represent ideology of Latvian nationalism on a number of occasions, such as the demonstration of the Latvian II WW legionnaires, demands towards Russia to recognise the occupation of Latvia, etc. The author concludes that if ‘Latvians want to become real rulers in their country, they have to find courage to analyse their history without using any ideological myths and looking for inner enemies.

Newspapers report that in two cities – Rezekne and Jurmala – were established cases of the purchase of people’s votes in municipal elections; therefore in these cities the elections most probably will be held once again. The criminal cases concerning the purchase of votes in support for the party New Centre have been initiated in both cities. Yesterday the Administrative District Court cancelled the results of the municipal elections in Rezekne, while on 29 March the court will rule on the cancellation of the election results in Jurmala.

Newspapers report that in two cities – Rezekne and Jurmala – were established cases of the purchase of peoples votes in municipal elections; therefore in these cities the elections most probably will be held once again. The criminal cases concerning the purchase of votes in support for the party New Centre have been initiated in both cities. Yesterday the Administrative District Court cancelled the results of the municipal elections in Rezekne, while on 29 March the court will rule on the cancellation of the election results in Jurmala. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf