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

Lauku

AvizeAvize publishes an interview with the head of Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. Among general information about the work her office does she expresses her views on topical issues, like the shift to Latvian language of instruction in secondary schools by 2004 provided for by the education law. She suggests that the term should be differentiated from 2001 till 2008 depending on the local situation: in Kurzeme and Vidzeme the shift could take place immediately while in Latgale pupils need to go first through all the 9 years of primary school with bi-lingual instruction to be able to study in Latvian in secondary school. Also, she mentions the work on Integration program planned to be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers on August 5. Speaking about the naturalisation tests she explains the story behind the changes introduced in the history exam. As for the Latvian language exam, Daugavpils is said to have the biggest percentage of those who fail: It happens that only 3 or 4 pass out of 15 who take the test. Aldermane firmly believes that the centralised Latvian language exam in non-Latvian schools should replace the naturalisation exam. publishes an interview with the head of Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. Among general information about the work her office does she expresses her views on topical issues, like the shift to Latvian language of instruction in secondary schools by 2004 provided for by the education law. She suggests that the term should be differentiated from 2001 till 2008 depending on the local situation: in Kurzeme and Vidzeme the shift could take place immediately while in Latgale pupils need to go first through all the 9 years of primary school with bi-lingual instruction to be able to study in Latvian in secondary school. Also, she mentions the work on Integration program planned to be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers on August 5. Speaking about the naturalisation tests she explains the story behind the changes introduced in the history exam. As for the Latvian language exam, Daugavpils is said to have the biggest percentage of those who fail: “It happens that only 3 or 4 pass out of 15 who take the test.” Aldermane firmly believes that the centralised Latvian language exam in non-Latvian schools should replace the naturalisation exam. Head of Daugavpils Naturalization Board said that it is mostly people in the ages 30 to 50 who apply for citizenship. There are very few secondary school students and even less of those who want to register their children born after August of 1991. There were only 6 children registered this year although at least 100 non-citizen children are born per year in Daugavpils. The main obstacle for naturalisation is the poor language skills. 45% failed in May, 40% in June.

Head of Daugavpils Naturalization Board said that it is mostly people in the ages 30 to 50 who apply for citizenship. There are very few secondary school students and even less of those who want to register their children born after August of 1991. There were only 6 children registered this year although at least 100 non-citizen children are born per year in Daugavpils. The main obstacle for naturalisation is the poor language skills. 45% failed in May, 40% in June. Neatkariga

The successful co-operation between the UN and Latvia could be used as a model for UN relations with transition countries, said head of the UN representative office to Latvia Jan Sand Sorensen during the meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins. Berzins thanked Sorensen for the effort taken by UN to attract funding for the Latvian language training program. Both officials agreed that the program is an important instrument for integration of the society in Latvia.

The successful co-operation between the UN and Latvia could be used as a model for UN relations with transition countries, said head of the UN representative office to Latvia Jan Sand Sorensen during the meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins. Berzins thanked Sorensen for the effort taken by UN to attract funding for the Latvian language training program. Both officials agreed that the program is an important instrument for integration of the society in Latvia. Neatkariga after LETA

The only OSCE observer from Latvia Georgs Kerlins received a disciplinary punishment for not fulfilling his duties while on the mission in Macedonia. Since the violation committed by Kerlins was not deliberate the punishment is said not to influence his future carrier at Baltbat, he could be promoted to the position of deputy company commander.

The only OSCE observer from Latvia Georgs Kerlins received a disciplinary punishment for not fulfilling his duties while on the mission in Macedonia. Since the violation committed by Kerlins was not deliberate the punishment is said not to influence his future carrier at Baltbat, he could be promoted to the position of deputy company commander. Neatkariga

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele plans to meet heads of the parliament factions to discuss holding of an extraordinary Saeima session to amend the state budget. The government is scheduled to accept amendments to the budget July 27 and then submit the draft to the Saeima. The government will try to cut the budget expenditure by 40 million lats.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele plans to meet heads of the parliament factions to discuss holding of an extraordinary Saeima session to amend the state budget. The government is scheduled to accept amendments to the budget July 27 and then submit the draft to the Saeima. The government will try to cut the budget expenditure by 40 million lats. Diena