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.

• Minister of Culture Sarmite Elerte proposes to consider introduction of integration agreements for foreigners coming to reside in Latvia
• European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström: Latvia will have to show its will and accept bigger number of refugees
• State Language Centre criticizes the statement of the new President Andris Berzins regarding ability to speak also in the foreign languages

The Ministry of Culture wants to have tighter co-operation with the Ministry of Justice on promotion of integration of residents with temporary or permanent residence permits in Latvia. The Minister of Culture Sarmite Elerte believes that inclusion of immigrants in the ethnic Latvian environment and their proficiency in Latvian language are in the interests of the state. The Minister considers that Latvia should consider the possibility to introduce the integration agreements according to which persons coming to Latvia for residency would take obligation to learn Latvian language, history and cultural basis. Latvijas Avize

The European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström in an interview with Diena states Latvia will have to show its will and accept bigger number of refugees in the framework of the European solidarity in this issue. The Commissioner says that the EU cannot force Latvia to accept refugees but as the Latvian government also agreed on the asylum system in Europe it should display its initiative in this issue.

The State Language Centre (SLC) criticizes the statement of the new President Andris Berzins who stated that besides Latvian language he could also speak in the foreign languages he is proficient in at the events which do not require mandatory speaking in Latvian. Head of the SLC language control department Antons Kursitis believes that such position of the state President is disrespect towards state language and it will strengthen self-sufficiency of Russian language. Chas