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

Russian newspaper

Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya has mentioned Latvia in the list of countries NATO should make aviation attacks as it was planned concerning Yugoslavia. In the commentary it is said that if NATO considers to use force for solving ethnic conflicts then it should attack several other countries, also Latvia where human rights of Russian speakers and OSCE recommendations have been violated. On this list there are Bosnia, Georgia, Israel, GB, Russia, turkey, etc. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

The State President has not managed to come to a unanimously supported candidate for the post of the Prime Minister during the consultations with 6 parties represented at the 7th Saeima. But G.Ulmanis is sure that till November 3 the parties will be able to come to an agreement, and he will be able to ask the new candidate, supported by the majority, to form the government . In general the President is satisfied with these consultations.

The State President has not managed to come to a unanimously supported candidate for the post of the Prime Minister during the consultations with 6 parties represented at the 7th Saeima. But G.Ulmanis is sure that till November 3 the parties will be able to come to an agreement, and he will be able to ask the new candidate, supported by the majority, to form the government . In general the President is satisfied with these consultations. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, SM, Bizness & Baltiya

I.Klisane Berzina analyses why the President likes A.Skele. In the situation when the majority of parties have expressed their support to V.Kristopans, there would be no need to linger and ask him to form the new government. She compares this situation with the one with Z.Cevers when forming the existing government when the President offered to form the government

TB/LNNK representative M.Grinblats disregarding the fact that Z.Cevers had wider support. The decisive thing in this situation for A.Skele is to gain leading position in the government. And there is information about common business interests of these two politicians in some off-shore firm. Neatkariga A.Ozolins in

A.Ozolins in Diena sees the situation from a different angle. He speaks about the position of TB/LNNK that has expressed a statement that the new government should have majority support, and this support should be reached without Social Democrats. It is a direct challenge to Latvijas Cels who have included Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK in the list of supporters of V.Kristopans. Diena

The Prime Minister of Great Britain T.Blair has sent a letter to the Latvian President G.Ulmanis expressing his joy for the adoption of amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He expresses his conviction that this wise decision will be in favour of Latvian - EU relations.

The Prime Minister of Great Britain T.Blair has sent a letter to the Latvian President G.Ulmanis expressing his joy for the adoption of amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He expresses his conviction that this wise decision will be in favour of Latvian - EU relations. Diena

Ordinary members of

Ordinary members of Latvijas Cels would like to have Peoples Party as their coalition partner. Such a coalition would be more stable that the one with Social Democrats. It coincides with the position of party leaders. Diena

Lauku Avize

interviews the Chairman of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK M.Grinblats about their position in the process of forming a new government. TB/LNNK considers that the government should be formed by the parties which have received the majority of votes - Peoples Party, Latvijas Cels and TB/LNNK. If any other party would like to participate, doors are open. Answering to the question on elaboration of the government declaration that had been entrusted to Latvijas Cels, M.Grinblats said that it had been just an oral agreement on the basic activity principles or tasks. This job would not be waste of time disregarding who will lead the government. What concerns co-operation with Social Democrats, M.Grinblats was very reserved. He was not sure whether Latvijas Cels wanted to attract these people just for one vote or for a longer co-operation. M.Grinblats considers that Social Democrats should not be given any minister posts, and Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK themselves claim several posts, including the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs. M.Grinblats also explained partys position on V.Kristopans. TB/LNNK supports the coalition with Latvijas Cels and New Party to form the new government but has never expressed support to V.Kristopans. Co-operation with Peoples Party will depend on the fact whether Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party will find a common platform.