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

US International Development Agency officially finished its operation in Latvia July 22. Its management and US officials believe that Latvia is a country strong enough to develop further independently. The program has worked in Latvia for eight years to implement more than 60 projects worth of roughly $57 million. The funds were mainly allocated to promote the economic development, as well as social programs and formation of a civic society.

US International Development Agency officially finished its operation in Latvia July 22. Its management and US officials believe that Latvia is a country strong enough to develop further independently. The program has worked in Latvia for eight years to implement more than 60 projects worth of roughly $57 million. The funds were mainly allocated to promote the economic development, as well as social programs and formation of a civic society. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, BB

The ceremony of granting citizenship to 20 new persons who acquired citizenship through naturalisation in Jelgava was attended by the representative of the US International Development Agency to mark the successful co-operation with the Naturalisation Board since the opening of the Board in 1995. The US representative said that Latvia has managed to create a dialogue between citizens and non-citizens. The latest joint project was setting up an information centre to provide information about any issues related to citizenship and naturalisation. Since the beginning of naturalisation process in February of 1995 till this July Latvian citizenship was granted by the rule of the Cabinet of Ministers to 16,374 people, 6874 applications are still being considered. Of all the applicants, 66% were women, 58% were ethnic Russians, 13% - Lithuanians and Estonians. 96% passed the language and history examinations.

The ceremony of granting citizenship to 20 new persons who acquired citizenship through naturalisation in Jelgava was attended by the representative of the US International Development Agency to mark the successful co-operation with the Naturalisation Board since the opening of the Board in 1995. The US representative said that Latvia has managed to create a dialogue between citizens and non-citizens. The latest joint project was setting up an information centre to provide information about any issues related to citizenship and naturalisation. Since the beginning of naturalisation process in February of 1995 till this July Latvian citizenship was granted by the rule of the Cabinet of Ministers to 16,374 people, 6874 applications are still being considered. Of all the applicants, 66% were women, 58% were ethnic Russians, 13% - Lithuanians and Estonians. 96% passed the language and history examinations. Neatkariga, Diena

During the last week another Latvian top official made the speech in English at a public event. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins spoke English with Latvian translation when addressing the audience at the closing ceremony of US International Development Agency’s assistance program. Minister said he spoke English to stress his personal attitude and the government’s position towards the US assistance program. Specialists say it was not a violation of the law but rather an issue of ethics.

During the last week another Latvian top official made the speech in English at a public event. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins spoke English with Latvian translation when addressing the audience at the closing ceremony of US International Development Agencys assistance program. Minister said he spoke English to stress his personal attitude and the governments position towards the US assistance program. Specialists say it was not a violation of the law but rather an issue of ethics. Diena

Starting July 26 a new Russian language daily Vesti Segodna will replace the current newspaper CM. The paper is planned to be 6 pages big with the circulation of 10,000.

Starting July 26 a new Russian language daily Vesti Segodna will replace the current newspaper CM. The paper is planned to be 6 pages big with the circulation of 10,000. Diena

CM

publishes an interview with the new Education Minister Silva Golde. Questions touch upon the planned changes in the system of education in general as well as the fate of the current Russian schools. After 2004 the language of instruction in secondary schools will be Latvian. Currently the schools of ethnic minorities can choose among four models of bi-lingual education. publishes an interview with the new Education Minister Silva Golde. Questions touch upon the planned changes in the system of education in general as well as the fate of the current Russian schools. After 2004 the language of instruction in secondary schools will be Latvian. Currently the schools of ethnic minorities can choose among four models of bi-lingual education.