• Chas features an article by Boriss Cilevics on the implementation of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities
• Roma people in Sabile criticize the national Roma integration program
• Sestdiena features an article on Somalians arrived to Latvia

Chas features an article by the Chairperson of the PACE’s (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe) Sub-Committee on Rights of Minorities and a MP Boriss Cilevics on the implementation of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities in European countries. Boriss Cilevics has referred to the statements of various experts pointing to the improvement of minorities’ situation in countries which ratified the convention. However, Boriss Cilevics has noted that there is no evaluation of Latvian situation since Latvia has to submit its first report on the implementation to the Advisory Committee until 1 October 2006.

NRA held a public reading of the national integration program “Roma in Latvia 2007-2009” in Sabile (a small town in the Western part of Latvia). However, the local Roma community criticized the aims and the expenses of the program. The representatives of Roma people in Sabile believed that funding allocated for the integration program should be granted directly to the Roma people: “because we know better how to distribute it for our needs”, stated one of the Romani men. NRA

Weekly magazine Sestdiena features an article about seven Somalians who arrived to Latvia in August 2005 and were granted the alternative status last week.  According to the poll conducted by the magazine, on the question “should Latvia receive immigrants from Africa for the improvement of demographic situation?” 66 % of respondents replied “in no case” and 24 % replied “perhaps, if there will be selection of labour force”