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.

• Saeima adopted a statement On Latvian Languages State Role
• The new Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muiznieks: in reality, Latvian political elite does not want integration of ethnic minorities in Latvia
• 3,000 applications for residence permit received from foreign citizens in 2011
• Vesti Segodnya prints an article about increase of hate speech addressed to ethnic Russian residents

Yesterday, the Saeima adopted a statement “On Latvian Language’s State Role.” According to the statement, Latvian as the only state language is one of the milestones of the Constitution of Latvia and it is inseparable from Latvian identity, Latvian essence, its establishment and meaning of existence. The MPs state that Latvia is the only country where Latvian language and culture can exist and develop. The MPs call all Latvian citizens to take part in the national referendum and to support Latvian language as the only state language. The deputies of the Concord centre did not take part in the voting for the adoption of the statement.

Yesterday, the Saeima adopted a statement On Latvian Languages State Role. According to the statement, Latvian as the only state language is one of the milestones of the Constitution of Latvia and it is inseparable from Latvian identity, Latvian essence, its establishment and meaning of existence. The MPs state that Latvia is the only country where Latvian language and culture can exist and develop. The MPs call all Latvian citizens to take part in the national referendum and to support Latvian language as the only state language. The deputies of the Concord centre did not take part in the voting for the adoption of the statement. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

The new Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muiznieks in his interview to

The new Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muiznieks in his interview to www.politika.lv stated that in reality, Latvian political elite does not want integration of ethnic minorities in Latvia. According to Mr Muiznieks, part of the politicians wants assimilation, the other part wants deportations, and the other part wants integration but does not know what it is. At the same time, Mr Muiznieks believes that there are some positive moments in Latvian situation, for instance, the fact that during last 20 years ethnic non-Latvians sufficiently improved their Latvian language proficiency.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Latvia received 3,000 applications for residence permits from foreign citizens in 2011. This is twice more than in 2010. The majority of applicants are from Russia – 1,345 and Ukraine – 484.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Latvia received 3,000 applications for residence permits from foreign citizens in 2011. This is twice more than in 2010. The majority of applicants are from Russia – 1,345 and Ukraine – 484. Chas

Vesti Segodnya prints an article about increase of hate speech addressed to ethnic Russian residents of Latvia. According to the newspaper, on the threshold of the referendum on granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia many ethnic Latvian residents, politicians, representatives of various organisations express their enmity of the fact that Russian residents demand for widening of their rights. And the fact that part of ethnic Russian residents arrived to Latvia during Soviet times is used as the main argument to justify their enmity. The newspaper, also reminds about the spread of xenophobia prior and tragic events during the WWII, when the German minority was expelled, and some ethnic Latvians participated in extermination of Jews.