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.

• Harmony Centre collects signatures to challenge authority of the State Language Centre at the Constitutional Court
• Russian Community in Latvia held a conference
• Headquarters discuss the future of the organization
• About 100 Russian organisations in Latvia could claim funding from Russia

The Harmony Centre began the collection of signatures required to submit an application with the Constitutional Court. The party plans to challenge authorities of the State Language Centre set by regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers. The regulations stipulate that the State Language Centre has authority to conduct examinations of staff’s actual state language skills at organisations, institutions and companies. Leader of the party Andreys Klementyevs believes that examinations of actual language skills result in provocations and unjustified administrative penalties.

The Harmony Centre began the collection of signatures required to submit an application with the Constitutional Court. The party plans to challenge authorities of the State Language Centre set by regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers. The regulations stipulate that the State Language Centre has authority to conduct examinations of staffs actual state language skills at organisations, institutions and companies. Leader of the party Andreys Klementyevs believes that examinations of actual language skills result in provocations and unjustified administrative penalties. Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Avize

The Russian Community in Latvia held a conference on the activities of the community and the situation of the Russian speaking residents in the country in 2005. The Community criticized the government of Latvia for not granting equal rights to Russians in Latvia according to international standards. The Community also submitted five proposals on the development of civil society to the member of the Saeima Vladimir Buzajev (FHRUL). The Community offers that, firstly, the Riga City Council  creates a unit which would deal with ethnic minority issues. Secondly, it is suggested that the Ministry of Culture forms an Advisory Council on National Minority Cultures. The third proposal is addressed to the President of Latvia and relates to resuming the work of the National Minority Council. And the last, to offer the President of Russia to create the Public Council of Compatriots.

The Russian Community in Latvia held a conference on the activities of the community and the situation of the Russian speaking residents in the country in 2005. The Community criticized the government of Latvia for not granting equal rights to Russians in Latvia according to international standards. The Community also submitted five proposals on the development of civil society to the member of the Saeima Vladimir Buzajev (FHRUL). The Community offers that, firstly, the Riga City Council creates a unit which would deal with ethnic minority issues. Secondly, it is suggested that the Ministry of Culture forms an Advisory Council on National Minority Cultures. The third proposal is addressed to the President of Latvia and relates to resuming the work of the National Minority Council. And the last, to offer the President of Russia to create the Public Council of Compatriots. Vesti Segodnya

Members of the Headquarters for the Defence of the Russian Speaking Schools held the discussion on the future of the organization. Participants discussed successes and failures in the past activities and protest actions. The Headquarters acknowledged that their activities regarding the minority education reform  have failed. However, it was stated that they will continue the activities, because it is the only way to preserve the Russian culture and community in Latvia.

Members of the Headquarters for the Defence of the Russian Speaking Schools held the discussion on the future of the organization. Participants discussed successes and failures in the past activities and protest actions. The Headquarters acknowledged that their activities regarding the minority education reform have failed. However, it was stated that they will continue the activities, because it is the only way to preserve the Russian culture and community in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

About 100 Russian organisations in Latvia could claim funding from Russia. As reported, Russia is planning to provide 17.5 million dollars for non-profit public organizations in those countries which violate the rights of Russia’s citizens. A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Russia clarified that the funding will be provided to the Russian Embassies in these countries, and not directly to organizations, then embassies will decide on the further distribution of finances.

About 100 Russian organisations in Latvia could claim funding from Russia. As reported, Russia is planning to provide 17.5 million dollars for non-profit public organizations in those countries which violate the rights of Russias citizens. A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Russia clarified that the funding will be provided to the Russian Embassies in these countries, and not directly to organizations, then embassies will decide on the further distribution of finances. Telegraf