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

Last Thursday representatives of the government forming fractions reached an agreement concerning the amendments to the Citizenship Law, leader of the work group Andris Ameriks informed the press. The representatives agreed to include the provision granting citizenship to children born in Latvia if, upon the reaching of the age of 16, they apply for the citizenship and have the command of the Latvian language. It is agreed to open the "naturalization windows" for non-citizens born in Latvia, and to provide for the possibility to become naturalized to the rest of non-citizens starting the year of 2001. The proposal of the

Last Thursday representatives of the government forming fractions reached an agreement concerning the amendments to the Citizenship Law, leader of the work group Andris Ameriks informed the press. The representatives agreed to include the provision granting citizenship to children born in Latvia if, upon the reaching of the age of 16, they apply for the citizenship and have the command of the Latvian language. It is agreed to open the "naturalization windows" for non-citizens born in Latvia, and to provide for the possibility to become naturalized to the rest of non-citizens starting the year of 2001. The proposal of the Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK to transfer the authority of granting of citizenship on the basis of outstanding service for the benefit of Latvia from the Saeima to the Cabinet of Ministers, was also supported by the representatives of the government forming fractions. Now the draft amendments are submitted to the Legal Commission of the Saeima. On 14 April the working group will repeatedly discuss the amendments. If approved, they will be passed to the Co-ordination Council of the government forming fractions for the further consideration. Diena, Chas

After the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior Ziedonis Cevers from the post on 10 April the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts started consultations with other coalition partners to ensure the majority vote for his government in the Saeima. All Saturday newspapers discuss the issue of the possible resignation of Krasts' government after

After the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior Ziedonis Cevers from the post on 10 April the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts started consultations with other coalition partners to ensure the majority vote for his government in the Saeima. All Saturday newspapers discuss the issue of the possible resignation of Krasts' government after the Saimnieks left the coalition. The main speculations are about the Latvijas Celss further decission either to support the present government or to participate in the formation of the new government. According to the party statutes, only at the party conference the Latvijas Cels can decide on leaving of the coalition and forming of a new government. The conference is scheduled for the 18 of April. Diena, Neatkariga

Guntars Krasts believes that majority of the Saeima deputies will support his government. According to Krasts, the present government could be supported by deputies of the

Guntars Krasts believes that majority of the Saeima deputies will support his government. According to Krasts, the present government could be supported by deputies of the Latvijas Cels, Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK, Farmers Union/Christian Democratic Party, and 3 deputies of the Green Party as well as independent deputies Mr. and Mrs. Kreituss. Rita Zinas

On Monday Prime Minister said that in a case this Cabinet resigns, the next government will not be able to work more or less independently from the influence of the foreign countries, since this resignation would have proved that the pressure by the foreign countries can instigate the governmental change. Prime Minister also noted that in the case the government resigns,

On Monday Prime Minister said that in a case this Cabinet resigns, the next government will not be able to work more or less independently from the influence of the foreign countries, since this resignation would have proved that the pressure by the foreign countries can instigate the governmental change. Prime Minister also noted that in the case the government resigns, the Saimnieks has no chances to get the post of the Prime Minister. Head of the Farmer's Union Laimonis Strujevics said that it was possible to keep the existing government only if all four political parties formed it. In the case the Saimnieks does not return to the coalition, the Farmers Union will nominate its own candidate for the Prime Minister's post. Diena

State President Guntis Ulmanis used his rights to convene extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers for the discussion of the present situation in the country on 15 April.

State President Guntis Ulmanis used his rights to convene extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers for the discussion of the present situation in the country on 15 April. Diena

Andrejs Pantelejevs (

Andrejs Pantelejevs (Latvijas Cels) toldNeatkariga that the Party waits for the Prime Minister's report at the extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday. According to Pantelejevs, at the present moment the most important issue is whether Guntars Krasts will be able to consolidate the political power. Andrejs Pantelejevs toldDiena that it is important to ensure that Western allies react to the Russia's campaign against Latvia.

State President Guntis Ulmanis received the letter from the President of the United State Bill Clinton in which he states that the deliberation of amendments to the Citizenship Law could be considered as the Latvia's resolution to carry out the OSCE recommendations which are also supported by the United States. The United States President emphasized the need for the dialogue with Russia, and highly spoke of the Latvian President's activities in discussion about the creation of integrated society and history

State President Guntis Ulmanis received the letter from the President of the United State Bill Clinton in which he states that the deliberation of amendments to the Citizenship Law could be considered as the Latvia's resolution to carry out the OSCE recommendations which are also supported by the United States. The United States President emphasized the need for the dialogue with Russia, and highly spoke of the Latvian President's activities in discussion about the creation of integrated society and history. Diena, Neatkariga, B&B

Leaders of the Ventspils trade unions think that the reducing of the oil transit through Ventspils will directly affect the interests of the Russian speaking people working in Ventspils. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs refrains from the commenting of the protests of Russian speaking employees against the Russia's sanctions by arguing that it is the Latvia's internal affair. Trade union of the company "Ventamonjaks" sent a letter to the Russian Parliament with a request to lift the economic sanctions against Latvia.

Leaders of the Ventspils trade unions think that the reducing of the oil transit through Ventspils will directly affect the interests of the Russian speaking people working in Ventspils. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs refrains from the commenting of the protests of Russian speaking employees against the Russia's sanctions by arguing that it is the Latvia's internal affair. Trade union of the company "Ventamonjaks" sent a letter to the Russian Parliament with a request to lift the economic sanctions against Latvia. Diena, SM, Chas

Share holders of the Ventspils Nafta (Ventspils Oil) company prepare for the visit to Russia to discuss with the business partners the oil transit problems directly.

Share holders of the Ventspils Nafta (Ventspils Oil) company prepare for the visit to Russia to discuss with the business partners the oil transit problems directly. Panorama Latvii