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.

• Two Somalis attacked by a group of skinheads in Riga
• Chas prints an article about the influx of unofficial guest workers to Latvia
• Most popular political parties in December: Peoples Party, Concord Centre, Union of Greens and Farmers
• Interview with a candidate for post of Ombudsman Ringolds Balodis

NRA reports that two Somalis, who have arrived to Latvia in 2005 and in 2006 were granted alternative status, were attacked by several persons presumably skinheads in the centre of Riga on Wednesday. In an interview with the newspaper the Somalis have stated that they were stopped by a group of young people who physically assaulted them. After the incident the Somalis went to the Police and wrote an application. The Police have initiated an investigation.

Chas prints an article about the influx of unofficial guest workers to Latvia. According to the newspaper 11 unofficial immigrants citizens of Moldova were detained at the end of December in the Riga Airport. In total, 55 foreigners who have arrived to Latvia without required documents or have been unofficially employed were detained in December. The majority of unofficially employed were citizens of Bulgaria – 20 persons, Moldova – 11, and Russia – 9.

According to the latest public opinion survey conducted by the company "Latvijas fakti" the People’s Party is the most popular political party – 15,7 % citizens of Latvia would vote for the party if the Saeima elections were held in December. The Concord Centre is supported by 12,7% of citizens; the Union of Greens and Farmers by 11,9%; the New Era by 9,2%. Other parties are supported by less than 5% of the respondents.

According to the latest public opinion survey conducted by the company "Latvijas fakti" the Peoples Party is the most popular political party – 15,7 % citizens of Latvia would vote for the party if the Saeima elections were held in December. The Concord Centre is supported by 12,7% of citizens; the Union of Greens and Farmers by 11,9%; the New Era by 9,2%. Other parties are supported by less than 5% of the respondents. Chas, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize interviews the second candidate for the post of Ombudsman Ringolds Balodis. Among other he states that work of the Ombudsmans Office will be similar to work carried out by the Latvian National Human Rights Office, however, it will more effective and it will not assist mainly Russian –speakers, but will help Latvians as well. (03.01.2007)