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 Review

Prime-Minister Skele at his press-conference said that situation in Latvia is undergoing positive changes. The Prime-Minister will prepare a detailed report of the country's development in February. He promised to return part of his salary to the Government or to donate it to charity if the report showed that not all of the aims were fulfilled. Skele believes that the number of ministers and Government officials should be decreased. He named settling of border issues among the priorities of Latvia's foreign policy. The Prime-Minister refused to reveal any details of the changes in the mandate of the Latvian Delegation to the border talks with Russia.

Prime-Minister Skele at his press-conference said that situation in Latvia is undergoing positive changes. The Prime-Minister will prepare a detailed report of the country's development in February. He promised to return part of his salary to the Government or to donate it to charity if the report showed that not all of the aims were fulfilled. Skele believes that the number of ministers and Government officials should be decreased. He named settling of border issues among the priorities of Latvia's foreign policy. The Prime-Minister refused to reveal any details of the changes in the mandate of the Latvian Delegation to the border talks with Russia. Diena

The Cabinet of Ministers is planning to adopt several legal acts during the

The Cabinet of Ministers is planning to adopt several legal acts during the Saeima Christmas vacations in accordance with Article 81 of the Satversme. According to the amendments introduced to the Satversme by the Saeima, acts adopted by the Cabinet are to be approved by the Saeima within six months after the adoption allowing the Saeima to block the acts. Diena

Minister of Justice Dzintars Rasnacs (

Minister of Justice Dzintars Rasnacs ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") objects to capital punishment. Still, he believes that the Latvian legislation should provide for capital punishment "at least formally", since it is supported by the majority of the country's inhabitants. In his interview for "SM" Rasnacs said that restrictions on the rights of non-citizens should not be reviewed under the existing situation. Rasnacs says that he can substantiate any of sixty differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. The European community requirements are recommending documents and do not require mandatory fulfillment. In this connection Rasnacs mentions van der Stoel's recommendations on the Citizenship Law. A much stricter variant still was accepted by the Council of Europe. Mr. Rasnacs insists on retaining the "nationality" paragraph in passports. He believes that ethnic Latvians need special support and points at the fact that Latvia is a national state with ethnic Latvians forming its basis. He does not believe naturalization to be too slow. Non-citizens should make the choice with one of the options being to leave the country. Requirements toward the knowledge of the Latvian language and a person's loyalty to Latvia should be expressed in the legislation in a more strict way. SM