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

Diena publishes an article about Russian ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov as the time has come for him to leave the post. He says that he has experienced many interesting moments and it will be hard to go away. Latvian journalists characterise the ambassador as very busy, not very available and cautious. The politicians say that A.Udalcov is one of the most professional ambassadors who have served here since Latvia regained the independence. Among the most serious problems the ambassador names the vast number of non-citizens and the attitude towards Soviet Soldiers of II World War. Diena

Saturday Latvia’s Way congress took place where the new programme of the party was approved. LW Chairman and Prime Minister A.Berzins also stressed that “LW are not to give up its main goals, therefore, I do not think, that LW could work in a coalition with social democrats”.

Saturday Latvias Way congress took place where the new programme of the party was approved. LW Chairman and Prime Minister A.Berzins also stressed that LW are not to give up its main goals, therefore, I do not think, that LW could work in a coalition with social democrats. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

For the first time about 40 thousand Russians who have acquired Latvia’s citizenship will take part at election and their choice will show if they feel like citizens of this country or they will vote for such parties which target their activities to the defence of non-citizen rights.

For the first time about 40 thousand Russians who have acquired Latvias citizenship will take part at election and their choice will show if they feel like citizens of this country or they will vote for such parties which target their activities to the defence of non-citizen rights. Diena gives its considerations about the choice of these people and reasons for that.

Also

Also Panorama Latvii gives its forecast on what could be the choice of the people who recently acquired citizenship. FHRUL and social democrats could be the most popular powers among these people.

Naturalisation speed is very low in Latvia’s districts at the eastern border; for example, there were only 44 applications in Ludza district in 2000. In order to improve the tempo the Naturalisation Board of Rezekne in co-operation with Zilupe municipality organised an information day.

Naturalisation speed is very low in Latvias districts at the eastern border; for example, there were only 44 applications in Ludza district in 2000. In order to improve the tempo the Naturalisation Board of Rezekne in co-operation with Zilupe municipality organised an information day. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Russian Community in Latvia President G.Astahov named Latvia the country of fascism in the interview for Russia’s newspaper

Russian Community in Latvia President G.Astahov named Latvia the country of fascism in the interview for Russias newspaper Nezavisimaja Gazeta. Neatkariga

Saturday the Dome of Social Democrats decided to re-elaborate the Constitution of Latvia in the course of the next year and then pass it for public discussions. Social Democrats chairman J.Bojars says that Satversme has grown old morally and it is too short – only 16 pages. In the new Satversme the competencies of the highest state officials – President, Prime Minister, Speaker will be described in more detail, as well as the procedure of their appointment and dismissing.

Saturday the Dome of Social Democrats decided to re-elaborate the Constitution of Latvia in the course of the next year and then pass it for public discussions. Social Democrats chairman J.Bojars says that Satversme has grown old morally and it is too short – only 16 pages. In the new Satversme the competencies of the highest state officials – President, Prime Minister, Speaker will be described in more detail, as well as the procedure of their appointment and dismissing. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

The member of the Council on Compatriot Affairs at Russias Duma N.Bindjukov informs about the preparation of Compatriot Congress, which should take place in April. Although lately high Russias state officials have talked a lot in public about the problems of compatriots residing abroad, the administration of the President is not very willing to get involved in organising the congress.

Panorama Latvii.