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.

• MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins proposes to suspend naturalisation process for several months and ‘audit already naturalised persons
• MP Valerijs Agesins criticises the draft amendments to the Immigration Law
• 45 representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools were detained by the Estonian Boarder Guard Services last Saturday

In his speech given on the occasion of the party’s congress, the People’s Party member and MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins proposed to suspend naturalisation for several months and ‘audit’ already naturalised persons. The MP believes that persons, who have cheated in naturalisation exams, should be deprived Latvian citizenship. According to the MP, citizenship should be granted only to those, who have integrated into society. He also believes that the practice, when an applicant for Latvian citizenship has the right to re-take naturalisation exam several times, should be discontinued. The party did not support Kirsteins’ proposals.

In his speech given on the occasion of the partys congress, the Peoples Party member and MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins proposed to suspend naturalisation for several months and ‘audit already naturalised persons. The MP believes that persons, who have cheated in naturalisation exams, should be deprived Latvian citizenship. According to the MP, citizenship should be granted only to those, who have integrated into society. He also believes that the practice, when an applicant for Latvian citizenship has the right to re-take naturalisation exam several times, should be discontinued. The party did not support Kirsteins proposals. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas prints an article by the Member of the Latvian Parliament Valerijs Agesins (the Peoples Harmony Party). The MP sharply criticises the draft amendments to the Immigration Law, recently supported by the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee. As reported, the amendments stipulate that when a foreigner receives a residence permit in Latvia, s/he should present the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs a signed declaration which confirms that s/he respects the Latvian language, culture and traditions and will pass the Latvian language exam. Valerijs Agesins believes that these amendments contradict the Constitution of Latvia. According to the author, the Peoples Harmony Party will call the President of Latvia stop promulgation of the amendments. If the President promulgates the amendments, party would file the claim at the Constitutional Court of Latvia and international institutions.

45 representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools (including 37 students) were detained by the Estonian boarder guards last Saturday. The representatives of the Headquarters planned to participate in the protest action against the implementation of minority education reform in Latvia, which took place in Tallinn last Saturday. According to one of the detainees V.Rafaelskis, the boarder guards did not provide any explanations on the reasons of detention.

45 representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools (including 37 students) were detained by the Estonian boarder guards last Saturday. The representatives of the Headquarters planned to participate in the protest action against the implementation of minority education reform in Latvia, which took place in Tallinn last Saturday. According to one of the detainees V.Rafaelskis, the boarder guards did not provide any explanations on the reasons of detention. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya