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

Writer Marina Kostenetskaya, a former Popular Front activist, in an interview for

Writer Marina Kostenetskaya, a former Popular Front activist, in an interview for "DIENA" recalled statements by PF leaders made in 1991. In those days political leaders spoke in favor of granting Latvian citizenship to all non-Latvians loyal to Latvia's independence. The predominating idea was to grant citizenship to all persons (non-Latvians) who had been residing in the country for ten years and had the command of Latvian on a conversational level. The concept also provided for automatic granting of citizenship to all persons born in Latvia. Mrs. Kostenetskaya stressed that non-Latvians made a considerable contribution to Latvia's independence. She believes that many of those currently applying for citizenship through naturalization are led by the reasons that are purely pragmatic. Mrs. Kostenetskaya points to a growing indifference toward naturalization among the young. The existing citizenship policy brings about the spirit of defiance among the young. Many of them see both Latvia and Russia as their "step-mothers" and dream about emigrating to the West, believes Kostenetskaya. Diena

Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts warned the governing coalition factions against "violating coalition discipline" that could result in losing posts in the Cabinet. The statement was made after several

Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts warned the governing coalition factions against "violating coalition discipline" that could result in losing posts in the Cabinet. The statement was made after several "Latvijas Cels" and "Saimnieks" deputies had supported opposition factions and voted for holding an extraordinary Saeima session on transport issues. Some governing coalition deputies also supported draft amendments to the Law on the Land Tax suggested by the opposition. Mr. Krasts even mentioned the possibility of his resignation at the meeting of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK Council. Today the "discipline" problem will be on top of the agenda of the Co-operation Council meeting. Still, most of the governing coalition deputies do not believe the Prime-Minister to be serious about his possible resignation. B&B

Yesterday Mr. Imants Daudiss, currently Secretary of the

Yesterday Mr. Imants Daudiss, currently Secretary of the Saeima Presidium, was officially appointed Ambassador to Russia. Mr. Andris Piebalgs (Ambassador to Estonia) will take the post of Latvia's Ambassador to the European Union. B&B

The Vilnius City Court sentenced former First Secretary of the Lithuanian Embassy to Austria and Head of the Lithuanian Delegation to the OSCE Ajdas Puklavicus to four years in prison. Mr. Puklavicus is accused of forging the pay-sheets documenting the payment of Lithuania's OSCE membership fees by changing account numbers and transferring the payments to his own personal account. Mr. Puklavicus had a reputation of the best expert on OSCE in the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Vilnius City Court sentenced former First Secretary of the Lithuanian Embassy to Austria and Head of the Lithuanian Delegation to the OSCE Ajdas Puklavicus to four years in prison. Mr. Puklavicus is accused of forging the pay-sheets documenting the payment of Lithuania's OSCE membership fees by changing account numbers and transferring the payments to his own personal account. Mr. Puklavicus had a reputation of the best expert on OSCE in the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. SM