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.

• Russian Ambassador to Latvia Aleksandr Veshnyakov: marches of former Waffen SS legionnaires are impermissible for a civilised country
• Saeima refused proposal to grant Orthodox Christmas status of bank holiday

The Russian Ambassador to Latvia Aleksandr Veshnyakov in an interview with

The Russian Ambassador to Latvia Aleksandr Veshnyakov in an interview with NRA states that marches of former Waffen SS legionnaires are impermissible for a civilised country. The Ambassador also states that Russias position regarding 16 March events (unofficial commemoration day of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires) will remain unchangeable.

Yesterday, the Saeima refused proposal of the faction Concord Centre to grant Orthodox Christmas status of bank holiday. As reported, last week, the majority of MPs supported similar proposal of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia in the second reading. The final reading of the draft amendments to the Law on Holidays, Remembrance and Celebration Days will most likely grant the status of a celebration day to Orthodox Christmas.

Yesterday, the Saeima refused proposal of the faction Concord Centre to grant Orthodox Christmas status of bank holiday. As reported, last week, the majority of MPs supported similar proposal of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia in the second reading. The final reading of the draft amendments to the Law on Holidays, Remembrance and Celebration Days will most likely grant the status of a celebration day to Orthodox Christmas. Chas, Vesti Segodnya