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

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has received a confidential letter from OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel mentioning (after Reuters) that the letter expressed concern about discrimination of the Russian-speaking minority by passing the new Language Law. An EC representative has said that announcing the law in the current version could definitely influence the regular progress report on Latvia. Latvia’s Foreign Ministry introduced the President to the foreign response on the Language Law, however, the ministry’s State Secretary Maris Riekstins was not authorized to disclose more information.

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has received a confidential letter from OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel mentioning (after Reuters) that the letter expressed concern about discrimination of the Russian-speaking minority by passing the new Language Law. An EC representative has said that announcing the law in the current version could definitely influence the regular progress report on Latvia. Latvias Foreign Ministry introduced the President to the foreign response on the Language Law, however, the ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins was not authorized to disclose more information.

The President met the Parliament factions on Monday to hear their position on the law. The New Party offered detailed objections to the law, in their view the law is contradictory and declarative and 12 articles contradict other laws or have shortcomings. The law does not provide for punitive sanctions and appeal procedures for the charged people. For Human Rights in United Latvia believe that the law does not facilitate Latvia’s EU integration as well as integration of the population in Latvia. TB/LNNK and Social Democrats maintain that the law should be announced. Social Democrats suggested that the law after it enters into effect should be sent for EU and CE expertise and after hearing specific objections the law could be amended during the fall session.

The President met the Parliament factions on Monday to hear their position on the law. The New Party offered detailed objections to the law, in their view the law is contradictory and declarative and 12 articles contradict other laws or have shortcomings. The law does not provide for punitive sanctions and appeal procedures for the charged people. For Human Rights in United Latvia believe that the law does not facilitate Latvias EU integration as well as integration of the population in Latvia. TB/LNNK and Social Democrats maintain that the law should be announced. Social Democrats suggested that the law after it enters into effect should be sent for EU and CE expertise and after hearing specific objections the law could be amended during the fall session. Diena, Neatkariga, CM, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Monday, another rally of roughly 200 people against the Language Law gathered in downtown Riga. Speeches were about the law ignoring rights of the ethnic minorities and leading to assimilation, one speaker called for boycotting shops where the staff does not speak Russian as well as to struggle for an official status for the Russian language.

Monday, another rally of roughly 200 people against the Language Law gathered in downtown Riga. Speeches were about the law ignoring rights of the ethnic minorities and leading to assimilation, one speaker called for boycotting shops where the staff does not speak Russian as well as to struggle for an official status for the Russian language.

Starting Monday, till Thursday a group of people is staging a continuous day and night protest by the President’s Palace to wait for the President’s decision on the law.

Starting Monday, till Thursday a group of people is staging a continuous day and night protest by the Presidents Palace to wait for the Presidents decision on the law. Diena, Jauna Avize, CM, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga invited the leader of the People’s Party Andris Skele to form the new government. The negotiations between the People’s Party, FF/LNNK and Latvia’s Way on the structure and members of the government are almost completed, coalition agreement will be prepared by Tuesday and there will be more clarity about the government declaration. It is possible that this week the Saeima will vote for the new Cabinet.

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga invited the leader of the Peoples Party Andris Skele to form the new government. The negotiations between the Peoples Party, FF/LNNK and Latvias Way on the structure and members of the government are almost completed, coalition agreement will be prepared by Tuesday and there will be more clarity about the government declaration. It is possible that this week the Saeima will vote for the new Cabinet.

Diena

publishes an interview with the OSCE observer from Latvia Georgs Kerlins after his return from Kosovo. publishes an interview with the OSCE observer from Latvia Georgs Kerlins after his return from Kosovo. Latvian Defense Minister received a letter from the NATO Secretary General asking Latvia to take part in the peace keeping forces mission in Kosovo. The Latvian soldiers could go to the region at the end of summer.

Latvian Defense Minister received a letter from the NATO Secretary General asking Latvia to take part in the peace keeping forces mission in Kosovo. The Latvian soldiers could go to the region at the end of summer. Neatkariga, Diena