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

According to opinion polls conducted by SKDS sociological research centre this August over a half or 53.6 % of Latvian population agree that it is in Latvia's interests to gain admission to the alliance as soon as possible. The number of people opposing Latvia's membership in NATO has reduced a little over two years, from 35.4 % in 1999 to 31.1 % in August 2001. Undecided respondents made up 14.6 %.

According to opinion polls conducted by SKDS sociological research centre this August over a half or 53.6 % of Latvian population agree that it is in Latvia's interests to gain admission to the alliance as soon as possible. The number of people opposing Latvia's membership in NATO has reduced a little over two years, from 35.4 % in 1999 to 31.1 % in August 2001. Undecided respondents made up 14.6 %.

59.4 % of Latvian citizens would support NATO membership while almost twice as little or 33.1 % would vote for the membership. There are also more NATO sceptics among non-citizens with 49.1 % opposing Latvia's admission to the alliance while 26.9 % of citizens agree with the country's aspirations.

59.4 % of Latvian citizens would support NATO membership while almost twice as little or 33.1 % would vote for the membership. There are also more NATO sceptics among non-citizens with 49.1 % opposing Latvia's admission to the alliance while 26.9 % of citizens agree with the country's aspirations.

The most popular person in Riga City Council is still Social Democrat D.Ivans, followed by Mayor G.Bojars, although mayor’s rating has dropped for 4,8 points in comparison with the previous month.

The most popular person in Riga City Council is still Social Democrat D.Ivans, followed by Mayor G.Bojars, although mayors rating has dropped for 4,8 points in comparison with the previous month. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

New daily Russian newspaper

New daily Russian newspaper Telegraf will appear in the Latvian press market taking the place of the newspaper Respublika. The owner of the new newspaper is the President of Baltic International Bank V. Belokon. He was on the focus of societys attention at the beginning of September when wanted to donate LVL 50 000 to Repses party. Respublika was published by the company Our Investment Foundation where V.Belokon was the chairperson of the Board. The new newspaper Telegraf will be quite different from Respublika which main flaw was inability to take and present its own position. The publishers claim that the newspaper does not have any relation with Repses party. Diena

The annual international conference on NATO enlargement organised by the New Atlantic Initiative (NAI) was postponed this year and the Latvian President, expected to join the conference in Budapest in late September, will stay home.

The annual international conference on NATO enlargement organised by the New Atlantic Initiative (NAI) was postponed this year and the Latvian President, expected to join the conference in Budapest in late September, will stay home. Diena

This week the European Education Leaders’ Forum is taking place in Riga. The main discussion subjects are issues concerning humanisation of education. 23 countries are represented at the forum

This week the European Education Leaders Forum is taking place in Riga. The main discussion subjects are issues concerning humanisation of education. 23 countries are represented at the forum. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Evening newspaper

Evening newspaper Rigas Balss reports about the possibility that Saeima Speaker, FF/LNNK member J.Straume could join Repses party. However, in todays Diena J.Straume denies such possibility.

The new Russia’s Citizenship Law, which is supported by the Russian President, is much stricter than the existing one.

The new Russias Citizenship Law, which is supported by the Russian President, is much stricter than the existing one. Chas discusses the new aspects with Russian State Duma deputy B.Nadezdin. The newspaper says Russia is not going to be a kind mother for her children in the whole world. However, some reservations are made for Russian residents in the Baltic Countries.

Latvian City Ventspils NGO “Dialogue” and Advisory Council on Non-citizen Matters at Ventspils City Council invite people to establish Public Council of Russian-Latvian Co-operation. The members of such Council could be famous public persons, scientists, academic people, artists and sportsmen. The work of the Council could cover the following spheres: establish NGOs coalition, search of sponsors and financial sources, organisation of training sessions, provision of legal advice, search of co-operation partners in Latvia and Russia, cultural exchange, meetings of youth organisations.

Latvian City Ventspils NGO Dialogue and Advisory Council on Non-citizen Matters at Ventspils City Council invite people to establish Public Council of Russian-Latvian Co-operation. The members of such Council could be famous public persons, scientists, academic people, artists and sportsmen. The work of the Council could cover the following spheres: establish NGOs coalition, search of sponsors and financial sources, organisation of training sessions, provision of legal advice, search of co-operation partners in Latvia and Russia, cultural exchange, meetings of youth organisations. Chas

Panorama Latvii provides full original text of the invitation.

Panorama Latvii provides full original text of the invitation.

Yesterday Riga City Mayor G.Bojars met the Mayor of St.Petersburg V.Yakovlev and today they are scheduled to have a working lunch.

Yesterday Riga City Mayor G.Bojars met the Mayor of St.Petersburg V.Yakovlev and today they are scheduled to have a working lunch. Chas, Vesti Segodnja