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.

• More than 50% of applicants for naturalisation do not pass state language examination
• State Language Centre elaborates draft regulations which would forbid employers from requiring Russian language proficiency from potential employees
• MP Oskars Kastens: President Valdis Zatlers should speak to Latvian residents also in Russian
• MP Janis Urbanovics: even one person with status of non-citizen in Latvia is a shame for the country

According to a representative of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, slightly more than 50% of naturalisation applicants successfully pass state language examination. Among 3,400 applicants for naturalisation in 2009 and only 2,000 persons received the citizenship. The majority of applicants for naturalisation are young males from 18 to 30 years old who stated that the main reason why they decided to naturalise is their desire to become full-fledged EU citizens.

According to a representative of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, slightly more than 50% of naturalisation applicants successfully pass state language examination. Among 3,400 applicants for naturalisation in 2009 and only 2,000 persons received the citizenship. The majority of applicants for naturalisation are young males from 18 to 30 years old who stated that the main reason why they decided to naturalise is their desire to become full-fledged EU citizens. Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya reports that according to its un-official information, the State Language Centre elaborates draft Cabinet of Ministers regulations regarding foreign language proficiency requirements in personnel hiring process. According to the newspaper, the aim of the new draft rules is to forbid employers from requiring Russian language proficiency from potential employees.

MP Oskars Kastens commenting the decision of the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers  not to communicate to local journalists in Russian stated that it is wrong because if the President really wants to consolidate the society he should speak to Latvian residents also in Russian.

MP Oskars Kastens commenting the decision of the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers not to communicate to local journalists in Russian stated that it is wrong because if the President really wants to consolidate the society he should speak to Latvian residents also in Russian.Vesti Segodnya

The Concord Centre Prime Minister candidate, MP Janis Urbanovics in an interview with

The Concord Centre Prime Minister candidate, MP Janis Urbanovics in an interview with Vesti Segodnya states that even one person with status of non-citizen in Latvia is a shame for the country, society and the EU. Therefore, situation regarding non-citizens should be changed for the sake of future prosperity of the country. Mr. Urbanovics also believes that Russian language as part of cultural heritage should be granted official status in Latvia.