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

The Prosecutor General's Office has discovered that Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba ("The Farmers' Union") violated the Anti-Corruption Law by not stating his shares in two companies when declaring his annual income in 1996 and 1997. The Prosecutor General's Office will not institute criminal proceedings against Mr. Dilba. The Office still has not accomplished the investigation of Minister of Communications Kristopans' case. Five Ministers have already been officially accused of violating the Anti-corruption Law. Minister of Culture Rihards Piks and Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis had to resign. The

The Prosecutor General's Office has discovered that Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba ("The Farmers' Union") violated the Anti-Corruption Law by not stating his shares in two companies when declaring his annual income in 1996 and 1997. The Prosecutor General's Office will not institute criminal proceedings against Mr. Dilba. The Office still has not accomplished the investigation of Minister of Communications Kristopans' case. Five Ministers have already been officially accused of violating the Anti-corruption Law. Minister of Culture Rihards Piks and Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis had to resign. The "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction circulated a statement criticizing Prime-Minister Skele for a biased approach to the Ministers violating the Law. The statement suggests that the Prime-Minister displayed tolerance toward "Saimnieks" members by not insisting on Minister of Education and Science Celmins's and Deputy Prime-Minister Kaksistis' resignation. Still, the Prime-Minister demanded "TB" member Vinkelis' (Minister of Health) resignation for similar violations of the Anti-Corruption Law. Diena

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ron Asmus during his visit to Latvia made it clear the US did not consider the three Baltic states to be prepared for entering NATO. The aim of the visit is introducing the draft Baltic-American Charter to the Latvian Government. According to Mr. Asmus, the Charter is a manifestation of commitment to common values but will not provide security guarantees to the Baltic states.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ron Asmus during his visit to Latvia made it clear the US did not consider the three Baltic states to be prepared for entering NATO. The aim of the visit is introducing the draft Baltic-American Charter to the Latvian Government. According to Mr. Asmus, the Charter is a manifestation of commitment to common values but will not provide security guarantees to the Baltic states. Diena

Yesterday Latvia initialed an agreement on a non-visa regime with Switzerland. The agreement is to be ratified this year. A similar agreement with Finland will be ratified in late July.

Yesterday Latvia initialed an agreement on a non-visa regime with Switzerland. The agreement is to be ratified this year. A similar agreement with Finland will be ratified in late July. B&B

Boris Tsilevich in his article points at double standards used by the Latvian political system. Although formal procedures look quite "civilized", the law requires that all

Boris Tsilevich in his article points at double standards used by the Latvian political system. Although formal procedures look quite "civilized", the law requires that all Saeima deputies have a command of the Latvian language and restricts political rights of former Communist Party members. Although the West defends Latvia against Russia's criticism regarding the rights of non-citizens, Western countries (e.g., Canada) have provided asylum to several Latvian non-citizens. Boris Tsilevich stressed the role of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in helping to protect the rights of non-citizens at the European Human Rights Court.SM