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.

• Cabinet of Ministers adopts regulations on allowances for refugees in Latvia
• Experts on manifestation of anti-Semitism in Latvia
• Newspapers continue to comment on the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in the Citizenship Law
• Protest action against the minority education reform will be held tomorrow
• FF/LNIM protests against the decision not to provide additional funding for the State Language Centre next year
• Latvian Lithuanian Forum ‘The Union Days of Balts will be held on the weekend

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted regulations ‘On Allowances for a Refugee and a Person Who Has Been Granted an Alternative Status.’ The regulations provide those persons who have been granted the satus of a refugee or the alternative status will receive the allowance in the amount of minimal salary in Latvia, which is LVL 80 (EUR 114) this year, to cover their living expenses. Besides, refugees who have reached the age of 7, may apply for the allowance in the amount of up to LVL 35 (EUR 50) to cover fees of Latvian language courses.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted regulations ‘On Allowances for a Refugee and a Person Who Has Been Granted an Alternative Status. The regulations provide those persons who have been granted the satus of a refugee or the alternative status will receive the allowance in the amount of minimal salary in Latvia, which is LVL 80 (EUR 114) this year, to cover their living expenses. Besides, refugees who have reached the age of 7, may apply for the allowance in the amount of up to LVL 35 (EUR 50) to cover fees of Latvian language courses.
The newspaper also reports that Latvian Border Guard will spend EUR 1,067,116 to train its staff in foreign languages. Vesti Segodnya

Diena asks a number of experts whether anti-Semitism is a topical issue in Latvia. Historian Aivars Stranga states that there is anti-Semitism in Latvia and it is well observable in commentaries on the Internet portal Delfi. However, he argues that it does not exist at a state level, but in minds of individual people. The Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnis Studies Ilze Brands Kehre says that in Latvia anti-Semitism is not a systematic or mass issue. She agrees with the statements of Aivars Stranga that in Latvia anti-Semitism is an issue of certain individuals. The Director notes that Latvian legislation lacks norms, which provide that denial or trivialisation of the Holocaust is a criminal offence. The Chair of the Rigas Jewish Community Arkadijs Suharenko also agrees that in Latvia anti-Semitism is not observable at a state level but in statements of some individuals.

Newspapers continue to comment on the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in the Citizenship Law. All newspapers express criticism about the lack of definition of the term and a possibility to interpret it very broadly.

Newspapers continue to comment on the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in the Citizenship Law. All newspapers express criticism about the lack of definition of the term and a possibility to interpret it very broadly. Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya reports that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia will hold a protest action against the minority education reform tomorrow. The protest action is organised as a concert with participation of rock and pop bands as the Headquarters want to attract young people.

The union FF/LNIM protests against the government’s decision not to provide additional funding for the State Language Centre from the next year’s state budget. FF/LNIM argue that with the planned funding it is not possible to ensure effective implementation of the tasks of the State Language Centre.

The union FF/LNIM protests against the governments decision not to provide additional funding for the State Language Centre from the next years state budget. FF/LNIM argue that with the planned funding it is not possible to ensure effective implementation of the tasks of the State Language Centre. Latvijas Avize

Latvian Lithuanian forum ‘The Union Day of Balts’ will be held in Vilnius on 22 September.

Latvian Lithuanian forum ‘The Union Day of Balts will be held in Vilnius on 22 September. Diena features an article about one of forums participants - composer and musician Valdis Muktupavels. The main issues on the forums agenda will be strengthening of co-operation between the two nations in the fields of economic, culture and education. Latvijas Avize