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

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele officially dismissed Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. His duties will be performed by Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs. Today the

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele officially dismissed Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. His duties will be performed by Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs. Today the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction will discuss candidatures for the post. "TB" faction Chairman Janis Straume told "DIENA" that the Prime-Minister ignored the agreement between the governing factions. According to the agreement, the Prime-Minister should have informed the faction about his decision at least forty-eight hours before officially dismissing the Minister. The Prosecutor General's Office is still investigating alleged violations of the Anti-Corruption Law by Minister of Welfare Makarovs and Minister of Communications Kristopans. Diena, B&B

"Latvijas Cels"

and the Naumann Foundation held a discussion of the prospects for the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The idea of a political nation may become a cornerstone of and the Naumann Foundation held a discussion of the prospects for the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The idea of a political nation may become a cornerstone of "LC" "LC" program during the election of the Seventh program during the election of the Seventh SaeimaSaeima. Participants of the discussion pointed at the role of a political nation in maintaining political stability. Mr. Panteleyevs pointed at the increasing isolation between the Latvian and the Russian communities.. Participants of the discussion pointed at the role of a political nation in maintaining political stability. Mr. Panteleyevs pointed at the increasing isolation between the Latvian and the Russian communities. "LC" "LC" Secretary General Juris Lorencs noted that the existence of isolated communities could lead to a political and economic crisis and stressed the importance of an integrated society for developing market economy. Mr. Lorencs sees a multi-cultural society as a model that would suit Latvia's needs. Secretary General Juris Lorencs noted that the existence of isolated communities could lead to a political and economic crisis and stressed the importance of an integrated society for developing market economy. Mr. Lorencs sees a multi-cultural society as a model that would suit Latvia's needs. "LC""LC" members expressed different opinions on the possibility of amending the Citizenship Law. Mrs. Maryash said that the Law should allow all individuals loyal to Latvia and having a command of the Latvian language to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Mr. Lorencs objected to amending the Citizenship Law. Still, he supported granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after the country had restored its independence. members expressed different opinions on the possibility of amending the Citizenship Law. Mrs. Maryash said that the Law should allow all individuals loyal to Latvia and having a command of the Latvian language to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Mr. Lorencs objected to amending the Citizenship Law. Still, he supported granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after the country had restored its independence. DienaDiena President Yeltsin pointed at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in Estonia and Latvia during the G-7 Summit in Denver last Sunday. The Russian President stressed the importance of observing the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and said that 1998 had been declared the Human Rights Year in Russia. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov said that Russia would "revise" its relations with NATO should the enlargement of the bloc involve former USSR republics.

President Yeltsin pointed at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in Estonia and Latvia during the G-7 Summit in Denver last Sunday. The Russian President stressed the importance of observing the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and said that 1998 had been declared the Human Rights Year in Russia. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov said that Russia would "revise" its relations with NATO should the enlargement of the bloc involve former USSR republics. Neatkariga, SM

The CID agreed to cancel an expulsion order issued to Natalia Sivokon, a common-law wife of a Latvian resident. The Russian Embassy will provide her with documents required for travel to Kirgizia to obtain

The CID agreed to cancel an expulsion order issued to Natalia Sivokon, a common-law wife of a Latvian resident. The Russian Embassy will provide her with documents required for travel to Kirgizia to obtain "vipiska". She will be allowed to enter Latvia, register her marriage to the Latvian resident and receive a temporary residence permit. Ms. Sivokon was kept in custody by the Immigration Police for thirty days. SM