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.

• Vesti Segodnya talks to the Integration Minister Oskars Kastens
• Vesti Segodnya about guest workers from Bulgaria and Rumania
• Interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board
• Brief insight in the history of the Jewish community in Latvia

Vesti Segodnya talks to the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens. The Integration Minister comments on the recent negative statements of the Minister of Justice regarding naturalisation (optimisation of the Naturalisation Board and imposing limits on mass naturalisation). The newspaper reports that Oskars Kastens promised to discuss the statements with the Minister of Justice and suggested to invite to the meeting representatives of the Council of Europe who have continuously recommended decreasing the number of non-citizens in the country. He also notes that Latvia has received foreign funding aimed particularly at promoting acquisitions of Latvian citizenship.

Vesti Segodnya comments on the statement of the Minister of Welfare regarding the Latvias decision to open its borders to free movement of workers from the two new EU countries Bulgaria and Rumania. The Minister believes that Latvia will not face a massive influx of people from these countries. However, the newspaper argues that living conditions in these countries are so poor that people will be very willing to move. The newspaper also states, Besides, Rumanian drug dealers will definitely want to expand their markets.

Telegraf features an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. She believes that no restrictions will be imposed on procedures regarding naturalisation. While Neatkariga features an article on people deprived Latvian citizenship. Each year the Naturalisation Board receives about 200 applications asking to deprive citizenship from certain people.

Vesti Segodnya provides an insight into the history of the Jewish community in Latvia.