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.

• Interior Minister about intolerance in Latvia
• PACE adopts a resolution about providing support for persons who were deported during the Soviet times
• European Parliament calls to adopt legal norms which would entitle nationals of third countries to travel without visa in Europe

Diena features an article by the Interior Minister Eriks Jekabsons. He notes that lately the press has paid particular attention of manifestations of racial and ethnic intolerance in the streets of Riga. The Minister reports that he has met with rabbi Mordehajs Glazmans, one of recent victims of intolerance, in order to apologise and discuss these issues. The Minister writes ‘I am ashamed to admit that these manifestations [of racial and ethnic intolerance] committed by young people are provoked also by radical and irresponsible statements of several politicians. In this respect the Minister points to the events around the meeting which took place on 16 March in the commemoration of WWII Latvian Legionnaires ‘unfortunately, this day has become a stage for radical organisations to express their views. The Minister assures that activities of radical organisation, which take place in Russia, will not be permitted in Latvia. Eriks Jekabsons concludes that a set of complex measures should be taken to deal with the situation: improvements in legislation and education of society in families and schools.

Chas reports on the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe focusing on mutual reproaches between Latvia and Russia. Latvia reproached Russia for violence of minority rights and xenophobia. All three Baltic States proposed to amend the PACE resolution - the Baltic States proposed to include in the resolution amendments which state that ‘persons, who were deported during the Soviet times to other republics, including the occupied Baltic States, should be provided support to return to their homes. The newspaper notes that PACE recommendations are not legally binding.

Vesti Segodnya reports that the European Parliament adopted a resolution, which ‘demands the European Commission to find possibilities for nationals of third countries, that according to the newspaper are also non-citizens of Latvia and Estonia, could travel in European countries without visa. Telegraf