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

Tomorrow that Saeima will start considering the draft state budget for 1999 in the first reading. It is planned to adopt the budget at the end of February.

Tomorrow that Saeima will start considering the draft state budget for 1999 in the first reading. It is planned to adopt the budget at the end of February. Diena

During the meeting of the EU - Latvia inter-parliamentary committee in Brussels, the EU Commissioner of Foreign Affairs Hans van den Broek said that he would be surprised if in December in Helsinki the EU did not invite Latvia to the accession talks. According to the Commissioner, Latvia does not have political obstacles to that. Still, the Commissioner advised the Latvian politicians to be careful and adopt the Education and State Language Law consulting with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.

During the meeting of the EU - Latvia inter-parliamentary committee in Brussels, the EU Commissioner of Foreign Affairs Hans van den Broek said that he would be surprised if in December in Helsinki the EU did not invite Latvia to the accession talks. According to the Commissioner, Latvia does not have political obstacles to that. Still, the Commissioner advised the Latvian politicians to be careful and adopt the Education and State Language Law consulting with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. Diena

Yesterday Latvia celebrated the 78th anniversary of the Latvia’s recognition

Yesterday Latvia celebrated the 78th anniversary of the Latvias recognition de iure. In an interview for the Latvian Radio the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs said that Latvia is in a similar situation as 78 years ago when the issue of the European security and Russia was important for Latvia. Although the relations with Russia are not rose-colored, Mr. Birkavs acknowledged the fact that the political dialog has been resumed. Diena, Neatkariga

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft Law on Emigration which provides for rights of citizens and residents who leave Latvia for the permanent residence in another country.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft Law on Emigration which provides for rights of citizens and residents who leave Latvia for the permanent residence in another country. B&B

The government does not plan to have any special events organized on 16 March, the Commemoration Day of the Latvian soldiers, the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans told at the press conference on Monday

The government does not plan to have any special events organized on 16 March, the Commemoration Day of the Latvian soldiers, the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans told at the press conference on Monday. Panorama Latvii

In a letter to the Prime Minister the Latvian Ambassador in Russia Imants Daudiss suggests to prepare a state program on Diaspora and decide which state institution will be responsible for its implementation. There are 200, 000 Latvians living outside Latvia, and it is about the time for Latvia to think about them.

In a letter to the Prime Minister the Latvian Ambassador in Russia Imants Daudiss suggests to prepare a state program on Diaspora and decide which state institution will be responsible for its implementation. There are 200, 000 Latvians living outside Latvia, and it is about the time for Latvia to think about them. Diena