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

Press Report

On Friday Riga Regional Court cancelled the decision of the Riga City Central District Court that refused the request of the Prosecutor’s office to issue an order to arrest war time criminal K.Kalejs. And now the Prosecutor’s Office may request to arrest K.Kalejs once more.

On Friday Riga Regional Court cancelled the decision of the Riga City Central District Court that refused the request of the Prosecutors office to issue an order to arrest war time criminal K.Kalejs. And now the Prosecutors Office may request to arrest K.Kalejs once more. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

The Wall Street Journal writes that nine years have passed since the Baltic States restored their independence, but they have not managed to conclude an agreement with Russia on retrieving their former embassy buildings in Rome and Paris. And not only Russia shows unwillingness to solve this problem but also the governments of France and Italy.

The Wall Street Journal writes that nine years have passed since the Baltic States restored their independence, but they have not managed to conclude an agreement with Russia on retrieving their former embassy buildings in Rome and Paris. And not only Russia shows unwillingness to solve this problem but also the governments of France and Italy. Diena, Neatkariga

Venspils Mayor A.Lembergs announced to the press that entrepreneurs of venspils financially supported Social Democrats. Social Democrats acknowledged such financing and explained that they had used this money during the campaign for collecting signatures for the amendments to the Power Law and saved something for the next municipal election. A.Lembergs refused the statement that Venspils entrepreneurs supported FF/LNNK and said that they saw Latvian Social Democrats as a perspective political party that became successful in Europe and also in Lithuania.

Venspils Mayor A.Lembergs announced to the press that entrepreneurs of venspils financially supported Social Democrats. Social Democrats acknowledged such financing and explained that they had used this money during the campaign for collecting signatures for the amendments to the Power Law and saved something for the next municipal election. A.Lembergs refused the statement that Venspils entrepreneurs supported FF/LNNK and said that they saw Latvian Social Democrats as a perspective political party that became successful in Europe and also in Lithuania. Diena

Latvian MFA asked the Russian Embassy for explanation why the Saeima MP J.Vidins was refused a Russian visa for the third time. The Ministry acted upon a request of the Saeima Speaker J.Straume. J.Vidins was invited to participate in a human rights conference organised by the Russian National Council in St.Petersburg.

Latvian MFA asked the Russian Embassy for explanation why the Saeima MP J.Vidins was refused a Russian visa for the third time. The Ministry acted upon a request of the Saeima Speaker J.Straume. J.Vidins was invited to participate in a human rights conference organised by the Russian National Council in St.Petersburg. Diena, Vesti Segodnya (16.10.00)

Latvian MFA circulated a memorandum where it showed its negative position towards the Russian MFA interpretation of the draft law concerning the interests and rights of anti-Nazi coalition veterans. Russian MFA in its memorandum stated that in the draft law, prepared by the representatives of the People’s Party, the initiators of this law doubted the right of those people who had fought against Fascists. In its answer Latvian MFA pointed out that the Saeima had not accepted this draft law even in the first version – i.e. had not sent it to commissions for consideration and this characterised the position of Latvian Parliament on such proposals.

Latvian MFA circulated a memorandum where it showed its negative position towards the Russian MFA interpretation of the draft law concerning the interests and rights of anti-Nazi coalition veterans. Russian MFA in its memorandum stated that in the draft law, prepared by the representatives of the Peoples Party, the initiators of this law doubted the right of those people who had fought against Fascists. In its answer Latvian MFA pointed out that the Saeima had not accepted this draft law even in the first version – i.e. had not sent it to commissions for consideration and this characterised the position of Latvian Parliament on such proposals. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga met with the Saeima Speaker J.Straume to discuss urgent issues of internal and foreign policy, paying special attention to the legislation implementation process. After the meeting J.Straume pointed out that there would be necessary to make changes in the legislation concerning its implementation, especially from the time of adoption to announcing a law.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga met with the Saeima Speaker J.Straume to discuss urgent issues of internal and foreign policy, paying special attention to the legislation implementation process. After the meeting J.Straume pointed out that there would be necessary to make changes in the legislation concerning its implementation, especially from the time of adoption to announcing a law. Neatkariga

Yesterday Prime Minister A.Berzins met with Swedish Vice-Prime Minister L.H.Vallen. During the meeting both officials stated that Latvian – Swedish relations had reached a new quality – close partnership solving regional development, stability and security as well as EU expansion and economic co-operation issues.

Yesterday Prime Minister A.Berzins met with Swedish Vice-Prime Minister L.H.Vallen. During the meeting both officials stated that Latvian – Swedish relations had reached a new quality – close partnership solving regional development, stability and security as well as EU expansion and economic co-operation issues. Neatkariga

Prime Minister A.Berzins also met with UNDP Representative to Latvia J.S.Sorensen. During this meeting UN official paid special attention to public integration issues. A.Berzins informed J.S.Sorensen about the adopted short version of the public integration program and said that elaboration of the expanded version was coming to its end and it would be submitted to the government for consideration. The Prime Minister pointed out that the elaboration of this public integration program was the most important long-term event to establish a united civic society in Latvia. J.S.Sorensen, acknowledging that Latvia would have good success during implementation of this program, said that it was important to involve in the implementation of this program all responsible ministries and other state institutions in order to get a versatile impression on the processes and necessary assistance. The high official expressed an opinion that the most attention should be paid to social, security, education and regional co-operation issues, and UNDP would be ready to help.

Prime Minister A.Berzins also met with UNDP Representative to Latvia J.S.Sorensen. During this meeting UN official paid special attention to public integration issues. A.Berzins informed J.S.Sorensen about the adopted short version of the public integration program and said that elaboration of the expanded version was coming to its end and it would be submitted to the government for consideration. The Prime Minister pointed out that the elaboration of this public integration program was the most important long-term event to establish a united civic society in Latvia. J.S.Sorensen, acknowledging that Latvia would have good success during implementation of this program, said that it was important to involve in the implementation of this program all responsible ministries and other state institutions in order to get a versatile impression on the processes and necessary assistance. The high official expressed an opinion that the most attention should be paid to social, security, education and regional co-operation issues, and UNDP would be ready to help. Neatkariga

The Council of Latvian Way adopted yesterday establishing three coalition lists for the next municipal election. In Liepaja the Party will have a common list with People’s Party and Union of Christian Democrats, in Rezekne – with Latvian Democratic Party (former Saimnieks). The Council also discussed the coalition agreement text with the Daugavpils City Party.

The Council of Latvian Way adopted yesterday establishing three coalition lists for the next municipal election. In Liepaja the Party will have a common list with Peoples Party and Union of Christian Democrats, in Rezekne – with Latvian Democratic Party (former Saimnieks). The Council also discussed the coalition agreement text with the Daugavpils City Party. Neatkariga, Diena (16.10.00) Jauna Avize (16.10.00)