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

The

The Saeima factions resumed a discussion of the plan of optimizing the work of the Government suggested by Prime-Minister Skele. The Prime-Minister suggested canceling the posts of State Ministers to reduce the number of the Cabinet members to thirteen Ministers and two State Ministers. Neither "Latvijas Cels" nor the LNNK objects against the plan. "Saimnieks" believes that the Cabinet can do without all State Ministers. Diena

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a letter to Mayor of Liepaja Teodors Enins denies the fact of negotiations with Russia on the purchase of the Liepaja navy base. Press-Secretary of the Ministry Pildegovics says that the only talks taking place are negotiations between Latvian and Russian businessmen on Russian investments into the Liepaja port. The Press-Secretary refused to comment on a recent statement made by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov. The Russian Minister mentioned negative conclusions on the situation of Russian-speakers in Estonia made by European Committee representative van den Brook and the OSCE Mission to Estonia. According to Primakov, the assessment was not referred to by the press "due to unknown reasons."

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a letter to Mayor of Liepaja Teodors Enins denies the fact of negotiations with Russia on the purchase of the Liepaja navy base. Press-Secretary of the Ministry Pildegovics says that the only talks taking place are negotiations between Latvian and Russian businessmen on Russian investments into the Liepaja port. The Press-Secretary refused to comment on a recent statement made by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov. The Russian Minister mentioned negative conclusions on the situation of Russian-speakers in Estonia made by European Committee representative van den Brook and the OSCE Mission to Estonia. According to Primakov, the assessment was not referred to by the press "due to unknown reasons." B&B

Candidate for Minister of Finance Melnik is rumored to be involved in an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of alcohol into Latvia last year. The company accused of smuggling is said to have close relations with one of Melnik's businesses. The police refused to comment on the issue.

Candidate for Minister of Finance Melnik is rumored to be involved in an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of alcohol into Latvia last year. The company accused of smuggling is said to have close relations with one of Melnik's businesses. The police refused to comment on the issue. Neatkariga