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

Yesterday the CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen arrived to Riga to present the project on furthering democratic processes in the Baltic Sea region. During two days he will have meetings with Ministers - the Interior G.Kristovskis, Justice - I.Labucka, Deputy Chairmen of the Saeima I.Berzins and G.Bojars, as well as the Chairman of the Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Social Affairs A.Seiksts and the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane.

Yesterday the CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen arrived to Riga to present the project on furthering democratic processes in the Baltic Sea region. During two days he will have meetings with Ministers - the Interior G.Kristovskis, Justice - I.Labucka, Deputy Chairmen of the Saeima I.Berzins and G.Bojars, as well as the Chairman of the Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Social Affairs A.Seiksts and the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane. Neatkariga

No later than 6 months after the Saeima elections, Central Election Commission and its Chairman should be re-elected. This is stipulated by the law on Central Election Commission. It means that the Saeima will have to decide about the new composition of the Commission in April. The leaders of political parties, represented in the Saeima are very positive about the current Chairman A.Cimdars and admit a possibility that he could be nominated for this post once again, but there have not been discussions on this topic yet.

No later than 6 months after the Saeima elections, Central Election Commission and its Chairman should be re-elected. This is stipulated by the law on Central Election Commission. It means that the Saeima will have to decide about the new composition of the Commission in April. The leaders of political parties, represented in the Saeima are very positive about the current Chairman A.Cimdars and admit a possibility that he could be nominated for this post once again, but there have not been discussions on this topic yet. Neatkariga

Police has stated that the reason, given by the movement “Equality” for the picket of March 3 is a false one. The organisers announced this picket in memory of V.Artemjev who as if died on this day due to an insult after being beaten by the police. It was found out that this man died on in his flat on March 28, and the reason for using his mane could be the fact that it was planned to use during this picket photos, one depicting V.Artemjev peacefully standing in front of the Riga city Council and one more where a policeman hit him with a baton. One of the organisers T.Zhdanok said that “Equality would do everything to ensure a peaceful procedure of the picket. Interior Ministry State Secretary A.Staris told journalists that police was examining the situation and choosing the best option for its activities, but did not reveal how many policemen would be involved. He added that the results will be taken into consideration to avoid any problems on March 16 when the Union of National Soldiers planned to parade from the Dome Church to the Freedom Monument. At the same time The Community of Russians living in Latvia have asked for a permission to organise a picket not far from the Freedom Monument to commemorate the Nazi victims. Riga City managing Director A.Grinbergs told the agency LETA that he would suggest the Community to organise their picket at some other place, e.g. Victory Monument.

Police has stated that the reason, given by the movement Equality for the picket of March 3 is a false one. The organisers announced this picket in memory of V.Artemjev who as if died on this day due to an insult after being beaten by the police. It was found out that this man died on in his flat on March 28, and the reason for using his mane could be the fact that it was planned to use during this picket photos, one depicting V.Artemjev peacefully standing in front of the Riga city Council and one more where a policeman hit him with a baton. One of the organisers T.Zhdanok said that Equality would do everything to ensure a peaceful procedure of the picket. Interior Ministry State Secretary A.Staris told journalists that police was examining the situation and choosing the best option for its activities, but did not reveal how many policemen would be involved. He added that the results will be taken into consideration to avoid any problems on March 16 when the Union of National Soldiers planned to parade from the Dome Church to the Freedom Monument. At the same time The Community of Russians living in Latvia have asked for a permission to organise a picket not far from the Freedom Monument to commemorate the Nazi victims. Riga City managing Director A.Grinbergs told the agency LETA that he would suggest the Community to organise their picket at some other place, e.g. Victory Monument. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Russian newspapers

Russian newspapers Chas , Panorama Latvii invite people to take part in the todays picket at the Riga City Council.

T.Zhdanok, when asked about the picket of March 3, told

T.Zhdanok, when asked about the picket of March 3, told Bizness & Baltiya that left wing parties would propose the residents of Riga to participate in a mass protest action at eth end of March against unbearable communal payments. Bizness & Baltiya

Latvian MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins thinks that the Union

Latvian MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins thinks that the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia should publicly explain its position on some aspects of Latvian - Russian relations. The Union leader J.Jurkans considers that an official has no right to give any directions the political powers. In the situation when Latvian government tries to establish friendly and business like relations with Russia, the majority of political powers have voiced their opinions on this topic and the basic understanding is unique. But, for the Peoples Harmony Party and the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to get out of a dubious situation they should publicly explain their position on exact Russian - Latvian relation problems, said Riekstins. They should clarify their position of the issue whether Russia should sign an border agreement with Latvia and other interstate documents, prepared for signing, whether Russia prevents development of the interstate dialogue and some more. J.Jurkans finds this demand uncivilised and considers that Riekstins could ask the Union to help the government to establish such relations but not to demand and explanation. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

“Improvement of Latvian - Russian relations do not depend on Latvia, it is the neighbouring state that lacks will to settle this issue,” concluded the MP V.Paegle (

Improvement of Latvian - Russian relations do not depend on Latvia, it is the neighbouring state that lacks will to settle this issue, concluded the MP V.Paegle (Peoples Party) at the end of conference dedicated to the political and ethnic situation in the Baltic Region. Last weekend the international organisation Project on Ethnic Relations invited to Riga for a closed discussion representatives of European Commission, governments of the USA, Northern and Baltic countries. The main topic of discussion was the situation in Latvia, and the decision was that integration of the society was a long and two-sided process. Diena, SM