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.

• Naturalization Board is planning to modify naturalization exams
• Russian Ambassador attended Faculty of Arts of the University of Latvia
• Riga Council did not give its permission to the National Bolsheviks to hold a picket on 18 November
• Ainars Latkovskis: intolerance is inherent to a large part of the Latvian society
• Essay competition I am in Latvia

The Naturalization Board is planning to modify naturalization exams and to improve the tasks of the tests. A representative of the Naturalization Board reported that it is planned to re-elaborate the history test and set higher requirements for the written part.

The Naturalization Board is planning to modify naturalization exams and to improve the tasks of the tests. A representative of the Naturalization Board reported that it is planned to re-elaborate the history test and set higher requirements for the written part. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Yesterday, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation Victor Kalyuzhniy attended Faculty of Arts of the University of Latvia. Victor Kalyuzhniy has met with students and professors of the Baltic, Slavic, and Classic departments of the University. The Ambassador spoke about the importance of the Russian culture and language in Latvia, about the problems of the Russian speaking residents of Latvia, and about problems in Latvian Russian relations.

Yesterday, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation Victor Kalyuzhniy attended Faculty of Arts of the University of Latvia. Victor Kalyuzhniy has met with students and professors of the Baltic, Slavic, and Classic departments of the University. The Ambassador spoke about the importance of the Russian culture and language in Latvia, about the problems of the Russian speaking residents of Latvia, and about problems in Latvian Russian relations. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The Riga Council has refused its permission to  the National Bolsheviks to  organize  a public meeting at the Monument of Latvian Riflemen on 18 November. National Bolsheviks stated they wanted to show their  support for the Independence Day. The theme of the meeting would have been “Independent Latvia in democratic Latvia”.

The Riga Council has refused its permission to the National Bolsheviks to organize a public meeting at the Monument of Latvian Riflemen on 18 November. National Bolsheviks stated they wanted to show their support for the Independence Day. The theme of the meeting would have been Independent Latvia in democratic Latvia. Chas

Yesterday, the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis spoke about tolerance in Latvia at the events organised to celebrate the International Tolerance Day in Latvia. Ainars Latkovskis stated that intolerance is present in a large part of the society of Latvia, including politicians and policemen. Ainars Latkovskis also commented on the recent manifestations of intolerance in the streets of Riga. He said that on many occasions the police do not assaults on persons being racially motivated and classify them as simple hooliganism.. Therefore, the Secretariat of the Integration Minister is planning to organize educational seminars for policemen in the beginning of the next year.

Yesterday, the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis spoke about tolerance in Latvia at the events organised to celebrate the International Tolerance Day in Latvia. Ainars Latkovskis stated that intolerance is present in a large part of the society of Latvia, including politicians and policemen. Ainars Latkovskis also commented on the recent manifestations of intolerance in the streets of Riga. He said that on many occasions the police do not assaults on persons being racially motivated and classify them as simple hooliganism.. Therefore, the Secretariat of the Integration Minister is planning to organize educational seminars for policemen in the beginning of the next year. Diena

Yesterday, the Naturalization board organized the discussion on the essay competition “Iam in Latvia”. Russian secondary school students took part in the discussion. The themes for the essays were: “Iam a citizen of Latvia, and I am proud to be a citizen,” “What is patriotism?”, “My contribution to the development of the country,” and “The patriotism among peers.” The Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane said that from the essays she found that students have deep attachment to the country. One of the jury members said she was surprised by the high level of Latvian language skills and their sincere patriotism towards Latvia.

Yesterday, the Naturalization board organized the discussion on the essay competition Iam in Latvia. Russian secondary school students took part in the discussion. The themes for the essays were: Iam a citizen of Latvia, and I am proud to be a citizen, What is patriotism?, My contribution to the development of the country, and The patriotism among peers. The Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane said that from the essays she found that students have deep attachment to the country. One of the jury members said she was surprised by the high level of Latvian language skills and their sincere patriotism towards Latvia. Vesti Segodnya