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 Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent for a repeated review the amendments to the law On Public Organizations passed by the Saeima last Thursday requiring at least 1000 Latvian citizens to be founders of a political party instead of the current 200. In her letter, the president states that by introducing the above amendments restrict the legal rights of the Latvian citizens.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent for a repeated review the amendments to the law On Public Organizations passed by the Saeima last Thursday requiring at least 1000 Latvian citizens to be founders of a political party instead of the current 200. In her letter, the president states that by introducing the above amendments restrict the legal rights of the Latvian citizens. Neatkariga, Diena

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Helle Degn after her visit to Latvia last Friday told the press that Latvia has shown progress in the fields earlier seriously criticised by OSCE, like society integration, naturalization and the state language issues. Answering the question about the possible influence of the invitation issued by the Latvian MPs to Chechen parliamentarians on Latvia’s security, Ms. Degn noted that the politicians should realize their responsibility and avoid situations creating threat to Europe.

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Helle Degn after her visit to Latvia last Friday told the press that Latvia has shown progress in the fields earlier seriously criticised by OSCE, like society integration, naturalization and the state language issues. Answering the question about the possible influence of the invitation issued by the Latvian MPs to Chechen parliamentarians on Latvias security, Ms. Degn noted that the politicians should realize their responsibility and avoid situations creating threat to Europe. Diena, Chas

Chas

writes about the successful visit to Moscow of the Latvian MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Janis Urbanovics and politologist Nikolajs Neilands, their meeting with Yevgeny Primakov. writes about the successful visit to Moscow of the Latvian MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Janis Urbanovics and politologist Nikolajs Neilands, their meeting with Yevgeny Primakov.

Diena

reflects on the recent European Commission report on Latvia mentioning the Language Law, language training and informing non-citizens about naturalization as still unsolved problems in Latvia. Latvian language specialists and representatives of several parties have stated that they wouldnt agree to using another language parallel to Latvian in public signs while in other articles changes are possible. As for language training, there is all necessary legislation and now only funding and the desire to learn the language are needed. Developing of integration program has been slowed down by objections from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and Peoples Party but Eizenija Aldermane from Naturalization Board believes that after the program gets a political agreement the work will continue. reflects on the recent European Commission report on Latvia mentioning the Language Law, language training and informing non-citizens about naturalization as still unsolved problems in Latvia. Latvian language specialists and representatives of several parties have stated that they wouldn’t agree to using another language parallel to Latvian in public signs while in other articles changes are possible. As for language training, there is all necessary legislation and now only funding and the desire to learn the language are needed. Developing of integration program has been slowed down by objections from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and People’s Party but Eizenija Aldermane from Naturalization Board believes that after the program gets a political agreement the work will continue. October 22 Latvia joined the EU declaration on the situation in Belarus condemning violence during the October 17 demonstration in Minsk.

October 22 Latvia joined the EU declaration on the situation in Belarus condemning violence during the October 17 demonstration in Minsk. Neatkariga