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.

• The MP Valerijs Agesins proposes to grant Latvian non-citizens the right to sign collective initiatives
• Ambassador of the United State of America to Latvia Mark Pekala: diversity has a great power
• MP Valerijs Agesins repeatedly received threats from the national radicals’ organisation “Tautas Tribunals”

The MP from the Concord Centre Valerijs Agesins submitted draft amendments to the Saeima’s Rules of Procedure granting Latvian non-citizens the right to sign collective legislative initiatives to be submitted to the Saeima. Presently, 10,000 signatures of Latvian citizens above the age of 16 years are required to submit a collective initiative for the revision in the Parliament. Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize interviews the Ambassador of the United State of America to Latvia Mark Pekala who is leaving the post. Regarding the integration process in Latvia, Mr Pekala says that such issue should be discussed and decided by Latvian residents. Mr Pekala notes that Americans believe that diversity has a great power, it is a value and a source.

Vesti Segodnya reports that the MP Valerijs Agesins (substitute of the head of the Saeima’s faction of the Concord Centre) repeatedly received threats from the national radicals’ organisation “Tautas Tribunals” (People’s Tribunal). Mr Agesins previously already has received threats to life from the leader of the organisation Linards Grantins. However, the Security police and the prosecutor’s office did not find the threats realistic. Moreover, Mr. Grantins permanently resides in Germany. The latest letter with threats and assaults received by Mr Agesins were sent recently by Mr Grantins who arrived to Latvia.