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

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent a response letter to the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin where Putin asked Freiberga to influence the developments in Vasily Kononov's case. Freiberga answered that Kononov was tried for killing civilians and not for his anti-fascist activities.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent a response letter to the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin where Putin asked Freiberga to influence the developments in Vasily Kononov's case. Freiberga answered that Kononov was tried for killing civilians and not for his anti-fascist activities. Diena, Netakariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Along with celebration of the birthday of Red Army, now in Russia called the Day of Defense of the Fatherland, in Riga, by the monument of Liberators of Riga, speaches were announced in support to Kononov.

Along with celebration of the birthday of Red Army, now in Russia called the Day of Defense of the Fatherland, in Riga, by the monument of Liberators of Riga, speaches were announced in support to Kononov. Neatkariga, Vesti, Panorama Latvii,

As a follow-up to the results of the research released by the oragization Delna saying that in many state and municipal institutions people cannot find out information they need due to arrogant attitude from public officers,

As a follow-up to the results of the research released by the oragization Delna saying that in many state and municipal institutions people cannot find out information they need due to arrogant attitude from public officers, Diena heard opinions that currently only the good will of heads of institutions can improve the access of the public to information.

Head of the organization “Russian Self-government in Latvia” Dmitry Nikolayev came out with an appeal to Russian organizations to set up a register of Russian-speakers. There was also a suggestion to organize alternative elections so that Russian-speakers could realize national cultural autonomy.

Head of the organization Russian Self-government in Latvia Dmitry Nikolayev came out with an appeal to Russian organizations to set up a register of Russian-speakers. There was also a suggestion to organize alternative elections so that Russian-speakers could realize national cultural autonomy. Diena

As of 2002 Lithuania is planning to introduce person’s ID cards to replace the passports. Foreign passports will be issued to travel abroad.

As of 2002 Lithuania is planning to introduce persons ID cards to replace the passports. Foreign passports will be issued to travel abroad. Diena

Russian ambassador to Latvia announced as absurd the statements of Latvian politicians about the involvement of the Russian special services in organizing of the pedophilia scandal.

Russian ambassador to Latvia announced as absurd the statements of Latvian politicians about the involvement of the Russian special services in organizing of the pedophilia scandal. Jauna Avize, Vesti

Latvian Foreign Ministry’s State Secretary Maris Riekstins expressed appreciation for the cooperation initiatives the between Latvian and Russian border regions during the meeting with the governor of Pskov district in Riga.

Latvian Foreign Ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins expressed appreciation for the cooperation initiatives the between Latvian and Russian border regions during the meeting with the governor of Pskov district in Riga. Neatkariga

Latgale’s TV in cooperation with the local offices of Naturalization board organize a TV quiz for families with non-citizens about history, politics, culture of Latvia. At the beginning of March the winners from different regions will compete in semi-finals.

Latgales TV in cooperation with the local offices of Naturalization board organize a TV quiz for families with non-citizens about history, politics, culture of Latvia. At the beginning of March the winners from different regions will compete in semi-finals. Neatkariga

Security Police Chief and Deputy Head of the Constitution Protection Office yesterday confirmed to the Saeima’s National Security Commission that Alexander Pereligin who visited Latvia last week was not a staff member of Russia’s Federal Security Service. Pereligin had been a staff member earlier. Head of the People’s Party faction Gundars Berzins mentioned Pereligin as one of the possible organizers of the pedophilia scandal.

Security Police Chief and Deputy Head of the Constitution Protection Office yesterday confirmed to the Saeimas National Security Commission that Alexander Pereligin who visited Latvia last week was not a staff member of Russias Federal Security Service. Pereligin had been a staff member earlier. Head of the Peoples Party faction Gundars Berzins mentioned Pereligin as one of the possible organizers of the pedophilia scandal. Neatkariga

Lauku Avîze

writes about the visit of Mr. Van der Stoel in Moscow. Yesterday he met the chairman of the State Duma Foreign Commission Dmitry Rogozin. Rogozin said they discussed Chechnya and the human rights situation in the Baltics. Rogozin had pointed out the attempts of Latvia and Estonia to revise the main provisions of Potsdam and Yalta agreements. writes about the visit of Mr. Van der Stoel in Moscow. Yesterday he met the chairman of the State Duma Foreign Commission Dmitry Rogozin. Rogozin said they discussed Chechnya and the human rights situation in the Baltics. Rogozin had pointed out the attempts of Latvia and Estonia to revise the main provisions of Potsdam and Yalta agreements. Representatives of the Saeima’s Foreign Commission in their meeting with the Europarliamnt Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter exchanged their views on the ability of the government to strengthen the situation of the state language in the society at the same time avoiding intervening into person’s private life.

Representatives of the Saeimas Foreign Commission in their meeting with the Europarliamnt Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter exchanged their views on the ability of the government to strengthen the situation of the state language in the society at the same time avoiding intervening into persons private life. Lauku Avize

Today in Riga Latvian and Russian government representatives will extend the term of the agreement on regulating the process of resettling and protection of the rights of resettlers.

Today in Riga Latvian and Russian government representatives will extend the term of the agreement on regulating the process of resettling and protection of the rights of resettlers. Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

refers to an article in Russias Nezavisimaya Gazeta by a political scientist and specialist in the issues of Russian community outside Russia who states that the political and economic pressure applied by Russia toward the Baltic countries under the slogan of protection of the Russian-speakers is actually harming the Russian community in these countries. refers to an article in Russia’s Nezavisimaya Gazeta by a political scientist and specialist in the issues of Russian community outside Russia who states that the political and economic pressure applied by Russia toward the Baltic countries under the slogan of protection of the Russian-speakers is actually harming the Russian community in these countries.

Panorama Latvii

looks at the possibility that Russia adopts the law on economic sanctions against Latvia The issue of support for ethnic Russians is becoming a serious point in Vladimir Putins election campaign. Viktors Alksnis mentions that Russia is nor ready for overall sanctions but it is interested to become independent of the oil transit through Latvia. looks at the possibility that Russia adopts the law on economic sanctions against Latvia The issue of support for ethnic Russians is becoming a serious point in Vladimir Putin’s election campaign. Viktors Alksnis mentions that Russia is nor ready for overall sanctions but it is interested to become independent of the oil transit through Latvia.