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.

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Committee on Education decided to postpone the consideration of the draft language until August when the deputies return from summer vacations. Dz. Abikis, the chair of the Committee told journalists that one of the reasons for postponing the consideration of this law was the work on other draft laws including several education laws.

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Committee on Education decided to postpone the consideration of the draft language until August when the deputies return from summer vacations. Dz. Abikis, the chair of the Committee told journalists that one of the reasons for postponing the consideration of this law was the work on other draft laws including several education laws.

Politicians have earlier expressed the opinion about postponing the consideration of the draft language law because it needs more precise definitions.

Politicians have earlier expressed the opinion about postponing the consideration of the draft language law because it needs more precise definitions. Diena, Neatkariga

The Minister of Education J. Gaigals sent a letter to the Chair of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education Dz. Abikis asking to ensure the consideration of the Law on General Education and Law on Vocational Education till the summer recess of the Saeima. Both draft laws have already been adopted in the second reading.

The Minister of Education J. Gaigals sent a letter to the Chair of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education Dz. Abikis asking to ensure the consideration of the Law on General Education and Law on Vocational Education till the summer recess of the Saeima. Both draft laws have already been adopted in the second reading. Neatkariga

Yesterday the 6th protocol of the European Human Rights Convention abolishing the death penalty came into force in Latvia. Today the Saeima Standing Committee of Defence and Interior affairs will work on amendments to the Criminal Law of the Republic of Latvia which still provides the possibility of sentencing the death penalty.

Yesterday the 6th protocol of the European Human Rights Convention abolishing the death penalty came into force in Latvia. Today the Saeima Standing Committee of Defence and Interior affairs will work on amendments to the Criminal Law of the Republic of Latvia which still provides the possibility of sentencing the death penalty. Diena

Graduates of national minority high schools are taking the centralised examination of the Latvian language which if passed successfully will count as the language examination for naturalisation. Officials of the Ministry of Education Naturalisation Board, and members of parliament participate in the examination as observers.

Graduates of national minority high schools are taking the centralised examination of the Latvian language which if passed successfully will count as the language examination for naturalisation. Officials of the Ministry of Education Naturalisation Board, and members of parliament participate in the examination as observers. Diena

Neatkariga writes about the examination in the Riga High School No 53. Only 4 students of 37 who took the exam have decided to combine it with the examination for acquiring citizenship

Deputy director of the Examination Commission Emils Liepins believes that only some 500-600 graduates out of some 3500 who take the centralised Latvian language examination, will use this opportunity to combine these examinations.

Deputy director of the Examination Commission Emils Liepins believes that only some 500-600 graduates out of some 3500 who take the centralised Latvian language examination, will use this opportunity to combine these examinations. SM

Neatkariga'sjournalist V. Hermanis discusses functions of mass media in the situation when there are attempts to integrate the ethnically, religiously and socially divided society in Latvia. Neatkariga

SM reviews an interview of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister V. Birkavs published by the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita in which the minister criticises the Russias policy towards Latvia. SM reminds that this interview appears before the visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to Latvia. SM comments that it has become a tradition for Latvian politicians prior important meeting with Russian politicians to do something extraordinary, thus, creating a possibility to suspend talks. SM