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

Chairman of the Saeima’s Commission for Education, Culture and Science Dzintars Abikis told Neatkariga that the commission was technically ready to prepare the Language law for the second review and the parties have to make up their mind on whether the law is to be considered before the EU Helsinki meeting in December.

Chairman of the Saeimas Commission for Education, Culture and Science Dzintars Abikis told Neatkariga that the commission was technically ready to prepare the Language law for the second review and the parties have to make up their mind on whether the law is to be considered before the EU Helsinki meeting in December.

Vaira Paegle from People’s Party believes that the law should be adopted without delay otherwise “there is a possibility for blackmailing and passions”. Kristiana Libane mentioned that passing of the law was one of the criteria for the decision about starting EU accession negotiations with Latvia. Juris Dobelis from TB/LNNK thinks that adopting of the law should be delayed since Latvia will not manage to accomplish sufficient explaining of the situation around the law. Silvija Dreimane from the New Party is sure that the deputies should not hurry with the adoption as the law in its current version has serious drawbacks.

Vaira Paegle from Peoples Party believes that the law should be adopted without delay otherwise there is a possibility for blackmailing and passions. Kristiana Libane mentioned that passing of the law was one of the criteria for the decision about starting EU accession negotiations with Latvia. Juris Dobelis from TB/LNNK thinks that adopting of the law should be delayed since Latvia will not manage to accomplish sufficient explaining of the situation around the law. Silvija Dreimane from the New Party is sure that the deputies should not hurry with the adoption as the law in its current version has serious drawbacks. Neatkariga, Russian Diena after BNS

The acting chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins speaking to LNT August 9 news program admitted that certain officials had exerted pressure toward the Constitutional Court concerning two cases: the one about publicising of the administration contracts and the other about the activities of the State Real Estate Agency assigning apartments to certain persons. After switching off the cameras Endzins named Andris Skele, Vilis Kristopans, the lawyer Andris Grutups, and Janis Straume.

The acting chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins speaking to LNT August 9 news program admitted that certain officials had exerted pressure toward the Constitutional Court concerning two cases: the one about publicising of the administration contracts and the other about the activities of the State Real Estate Agency assigning apartments to certain persons. After switching off the cameras Endzins named Andris Skele, Vilis Kristopans, the lawyer Andris Grutups, and Janis Straume. Neatkariga

In her address to the forum of education leaders Education Minister Silva Golde said that the government plans to reduce the amount of classes taught at schools, close the inefficient schools and raise the teachers’ salaries.

In her address to the forum of education leaders Education Minister Silva Golde said that the government plans to reduce the amount of classes taught at schools, close the inefficient schools and raise the teachers salaries. Neatkariga, Diena, BB

Pensioner Federation has not released their opinion about the referendum on the amendments to the Pension Law. The decision will be made during the August 23 Federation council meeting. The Federation has expressed its support to the trade unions’ appeal to delay proclaiming the amendments.

Pensioner Federation has not released their opinion about the referendum on the amendments to the Pension Law. The decision will be made during the August 23 Federation council meeting. The Federation has expressed its support to the trade unions appeal to delay proclaiming the amendments. Neatkariga

Monday, August 9 the committee of the Cabinet of Ministers adopted draft regulations providing for the order of issuing identity documents for stateless persons. The document can be obtained starting the age of 16, it is valid from three months to two years. Russian

Monday, August 9 the committee of the Cabinet of Ministers adopted draft regulations providing for the order of issuing identity documents for stateless persons. The document can be obtained starting the age of 16, it is valid from three months to two years. Russian Diena after BNS

Amendments to the law On Meetings, Processions and Rallies are submitted to the government. The amendments ban using of Soviet, Latvian Socialist Republic and Nazi Germany symbols (the anthem, flag and the state emblem). If held indoors, such activities do not need the permission from the city council.

Amendments to the law On Meetings, Processions and Rallies are submitted to the government. The amendments ban using of Soviet, Latvian Socialist Republic and Nazi Germany symbols (the anthem, flag and the state emblem). If held indoors, such activities do not need the permission from the city council. Vesti Segodna

Monday, the Estonian Language Inspection announced its readiness to implement the new amendments to the State Language Law. Employees of the state institutions and NGOs have to pass language tests till October 1. The tests should be repeated every five years. Only graduates of Estonian language secondary schools are free from taking the test.

Monday, the Estonian Language Inspection announced its readiness to implement the new amendments to the State Language Law. Employees of the state institutions and NGOs have to pass language tests till October 1. The tests should be repeated every five years. Only graduates of Estonian language secondary schools are free from taking the test. BB