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

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Tuesday at the talks in Riga discussed Latvia's integration in NATO, the presidential press centre reported to

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Tuesday at the talks in Riga discussed Latvia's integration in NATO, the presidential press centre reported to BNS. The Latvian president told the foreign minister from neutral Austria about Latvia's action plan for NATO membership and commitment to join the organisation in 2002. Both officials also talked about economic relations and their potential. Vike-Freiberga noted Latvia's increasing trade

with the European Union (EU) member states which indicated further possibilities in trade also with Austria.

with the European Union (EU) member states which indicated further possibilities in trade also with Austria. BNS, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvia's Way party will nominate Romualds Razuks to the position of parliament vice-speaker because previous nominee, Edvins Inkens, has withdrawn his candidature. Latvia's Way parliamentary faction chairwoman Kristiana Libane explained to

Latvia's Way party will nominate Romualds Razuks to the position of parliament vice-speaker because previous nominee, Edvins Inkens, has withdrawn his candidature. Latvia's Way parliamentary faction chairwoman Kristiana Libane explained to BNS that the party considered foreign affairs as a priority therefore Inkens should continue as the chairman of the parliamentary committee for foreign affairs. BNS

The Prosecutor General's Office has opened another criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide and already in March pressed charges against Russian national Nikolai Tess who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949. Prosecutor General's Office spokeswoman Dzintra Subrovska said Tess, age 80, is charged over taking part in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949 while himself being an official at section two of Soviet Latvian state security ministry.

The Prosecutor General's Office has opened another criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide and already in March pressed charges against Russian national Nikolai Tess who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949. Prosecutor General's Office spokeswoman Dzintra Subrovska said Tess, age 80, is charged over taking part in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949 while himself being an official at section two of Soviet Latvian state security ministry. BNS, Vesti Segodnya

Russian Foreign Ministry believes the persecution campaign against war and military veterans who fought against fascism is continuing in Latvia, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement distributed Monday evening. "A regular example of it is the case opened by Latvian prosecutor general against Russian national Nikolay Tess, an 80 year old disabled war veteran, former Soviet Latvian security structures employee, and rejection by a Riga city court of a claim by 84 year old Mikhail Farbtukh, a helpless disabled, to release him from confinement due to his health condition," the statement reads.

Russian Foreign Ministry believes the persecution campaign against war and military veterans who fought against fascism is continuing in Latvia, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement distributed Monday evening. "A regular example of it is the case opened by Latvian prosecutor general against Russian national Nikolay Tess, an 80 year old disabled war veteran, former Soviet Latvian security structures employee, and rejection by a Riga city court of a claim by 84 year old Mikhail Farbtukh, a helpless disabled, to release him from confinement due to his health condition," the statement reads. BNS

Riga City Council members could not elect the second Vice-Mayor because the two candidates for this post did not receive enough voices. This result proves that Social Democrats are more sure about co-operation with FF/LNNK and they do not need the trust of small parties to give them this important post. Social Democrats have fulfilled one condition put forward by FF/LNNK – on Tuesday the deputies supported the idea within a month to reorganise the Council Board and replace it by a Council Presidium. It would help FF/LNNK while heading commissions to avoid co-operation with For Human Rights in United Latvia.

Riga City Council members could not elect the second Vice-Mayor because the two candidates for this post did not receive enough voices. This result proves that Social Democrats are more sure about co-operation with FF/LNNK and they do not need the trust of small parties to give them this important post. Social Democrats have fulfilled one condition put forward by FF/LNNK – on Tuesday the deputies supported the idea within a month to reorganise the Council Board and replace it by a Council Presidium. It would help FF/LNNK while heading commissions to avoid co-operation with For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Chas

FF/LNNK admitted yesterday that they could head two permanent commissions at the “red” Riga City Council. According to unofficial information they could be municipal and apartment commissions.

FF/LNNK admitted yesterday that they could head two permanent commissions at the red Riga City Council. According to unofficial information they could be municipal and apartment commissions. Neatkariga

In the annual address to the Federal Parliament Russian President V.Putin stated that Moscow would protect its national interests and compatriots living abroad. “Nobody will be allowed to sort international rights and human freedoms according person’s passport.”

In the annual address to the Federal Parliament Russian President V.Putin stated that Moscow would protect its national interests and compatriots living abroad. Nobody will be allowed to sort international rights and human freedoms according persons passport. Diena

Yesterday Prime Ministers of the Baltic States met with their Swedish colleague J.Pershon. The host informed his guests about the last meeting of the heads of EU member states and his talks with Russian President V.Putin.

Yesterday Prime Ministers of the Baltic States met with their Swedish colleague J.Pershon. The host informed his guests about the last meeting of the heads of EU member states and his talks with Russian President V.Putin. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Business days in Russian city Tver ended with a scandal. Several public organisations opposed the idea to organise the exhibition “ExpoLatvia 2001” due to human rights of Russian speakers in Latvia. Several days before opening this exhibition was circulated a call to boycott this event, and during the opening ceremony a rotten egg was thrown at the Chairman of Latvian – Russian Business Co-operation Council G.Kazeks. After the event in the premises was found a pamphlet with a call to cut Latvians their ears, deprive them from Riga and afterwards to do away with them.

Latvian Business days in Russian city Tver ended with a scandal. Several public organisations opposed the idea to organise the exhibition ExpoLatvia 2001 due to human rights of Russian speakers in Latvia. Several days before opening this exhibition was circulated a call to boycott this event, and during the opening ceremony a rotten egg was thrown at the Chairman of Latvian – Russian Business Co-operation Council G.Kazeks. After the event in the premises was found a pamphlet with a call to cut Latvians their ears, deprive them from Riga and afterwards to do away with them. Jauna Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Chas