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

Press Review

Today Prime-Minister Skele and the

Today Prime-Minister Skele and the Saeima factions are expected to sign a coalition agreement and a declaration. The factions have suggested numerous supplements to the Government Declaration. President Ulmanis in an interview for "DIENA" (10 Feb.) admitted that the Declaration could focus more on the country's foreign policz. "Latvijas Cels" suggested working out a program for integration into the EU and NATO. "LC" also stressed the importance of signing the border agreement with Russia and developing relations with the CIS states. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" suggested to adopt the Law on Education before 1 January 1998. "TB" insists that all teachers in non-Latvian schools should take Latvian language tests for the highest official category by September 1, 1998. Suggestions by the Farmers' Union and "Tautai un Taisnibai" deal mainly with agriculture and education.

"Saimnieks"

proposed candidates for all posts in the Cabinet. Ziedonis Cevers issued a statement ( proposed candidates for all posts in the Cabinet. Ziedonis Cevers issued a statement ("NEATKARIGA""NEATKARIGA", 10 February) calling upon all factions participating in the forming of the Cabinet to follow, 10 February) calling upon all factions participating in the forming of the Cabinet to follow "Saimnieks'" "Saimnieks'" example and to name their candidates for all posts. Cevers believes that the Prime-Minister should have a larger choice of candidates and that retaining certain posts by certain factions should not develop into a "tradition". The most important conflict of political interests may be caused by both example and to name their candidates for all posts. Cevers believes that the Prime-Minister should have a larger choice of candidates and that retaining certain posts by certain factions should not develop into a "tradition". The most important conflict of political interests may be caused by both "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" and and "TB" "TB" expecting to take the posts of Minister of Justice and Minister of Economics. expecting to take the posts of Minister of Justice and Minister of Economics. "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" still suggests Turlais for Minister of the Interior. Observers believe that Cevers' candidature for the post was withdrawn by still suggests Turlais for Minister of the Interior. Observers believe that Cevers' candidature for the post was withdrawn by "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" to give the to give the LNNKLNNK a chance to retain the post of Minister of Defense currently held by Krastins. Earlier, a chance to retain the post of Minister of Defense currently held by Krastins. Earlier, "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" suggested Turlais as a candidate for Minister of Defense while nominating Cevers Minister of the Interior. President Ulmanis made it clear that he would support Birkavs' ( suggested Turlais as a candidate for Minister of Defense while nominating Cevers Minister of the Interior. President Ulmanis made it clear that he would support Birkavs' ("Latvijas Cels""Latvijas Cels") candidature for Minister of Foreign Affairs. Still, there is a rumor that Birkavs could be replaced by Indulis Berzins (also ) candidature for Minister of Foreign Affairs. Still, there is a rumor that Birkavs could be replaced by Indulis Berzins (also "LC""LC") due to his strained relations with Skele. ) due to his strained relations with Skele. "LC""LC" expects to take the posts of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development. expects to take the posts of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development. B&B;, Diena, NeatkarigaB&B, Diena, Neatkariga