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.

• Discussions on the loyalty criteria continue
• President of Israel Moshe Katsav about anti-Semitism in Europe and Latvia
• Security Police look into activities of the Russian Community in Liepaja
• Graduates of pre-war Russian schools held their traditional meeting

The daily

The daily Diena comments on the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law adopted by the Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers providing the introduction of the loyalty criteria for naturalisation applicants. The Head of International Law Department of University of Latvia Kristine Kruma argues that there is no grounds to introduce such criteria, as staff of the Naturalisation Board already control that Latvian citizenship is not granted to people who have acted against national interests. Kristine Kruma also refers to the European Convention on Nationality of the Council of Europe, which provides that decisions on refusal on the grant of citizenship should contain reasons in writing and they should open to an administrative or judicial review. Although Latvia has not ratified the Convention, country may not adopt a law, which contradicts international norms.
While the Russian language daily Telegraf provides comments of MEP Tatyana Zdanoka and professor of the University of Latvia Abrams Kleckins. Tatjana Zdanoka highlights that there is no single interpretation of the term ‘loyalty. She adds that any opposition may be interpreted as non-loyalty now. Abrams Kleckins adds that there is no definition of loyalty and the adoption of such amendments would only lead to court cases.

As reported the President of Israel Moshe Katsav is on the official visit to Latvia. In his yesterday’s press conference when asked about anti-Semitism in Europe and Latvia President Moshe Katsav stated that the number of manifestations of anti-Semitism in Europe is growing, however, Latvia implements all measures to combat anti-Semitism. According to the Israeli President manifestations of anti-Semitism are marginal in Latvian society.

As reported the President of Israel Moshe Katsav is on the official visit to Latvia. In his yesterdays press conference when asked about anti-Semitism in Europe and Latvia President Moshe Katsav stated that the number of manifestations of anti-Semitism in Europe is growing, however, Latvia implements all measures to combat anti-Semitism. According to the Israeli President manifestations of anti-Semitism are marginal in Latvian society. Latvijas Vestnesis, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas reports that the Security Police have showed their interest about activities of the Russian Community in Liepaja. According to the newspaper the Police received an application, which accused the Russian Community in the genocide. The complainants were unsatisfied that the Russian Community provides 5% discount to its members in a number of shops and cafes. According to unofficial sources the complaint was submitted by the national radical organisation the National Union of Forces.

Yesterday graduates of pre-war (World War II) Russian schools held their traditional meeting. Participants of the meeting assured that Russian schools managed to survive through various regimes and will manage to survive today as well.

Yesterday graduates of pre-war (World War II) Russian schools held their traditional meeting. Participants of the meeting assured that Russian schools managed to survive through various regimes and will manage to survive today as well. Chas, Vesti Segodnya