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

The Saeima Presidium has decided to summon an extraordinary meeting on Thursday to adopt the amendments to the state budget and supplementary laws. The only proposal of the factions and deputies, Prime Minister A.Skele agreed to was that the one of TB/LNNK that cuttings in the defense budget should be 8.2% less than planned.

The Saeima Presidium has decided to summon an extraordinary meeting on Thursday to adopt the amendments to the state budget and supplementary laws. The only proposal of the factions and deputies, Prime Minister A.Skele agreed to was that the one of TB/LNNK that cuttings in the defense budget should be 8.2% less than planned. Neatkariga

Although the total number of people of major nationalities residing in Latvia decreased in 1998, the percentage of Latvians among them increased up to 55.7%, compared to 55.2% at the beginning of 1998. The percentage of Latvians varies in different regions of Latvia. The highest is in Venspils - 95.6%, Talsi - 91,2%, Kuldiga - 89.4%; the lowest - in Daugavpils City - only 14.3%, Daugavpils Region - 37.2%, Riga - 38.8%. The number of Russians, Byelorussians, Ukrainians and Poles has decreased during the last decade, but the Jewish population had decreased even three times. The numbers of Russians is still high - 788 000 people or 32.3% from the whole population.

Although the total number of people of major nationalities residing in Latvia decreased in 1998, the percentage of Latvians among them increased up to 55.7%, compared to 55.2% at the beginning of 1998. The percentage of Latvians varies in different regions of Latvia. The highest is in Venspils - 95.6%, Talsi - 91,2%, Kuldiga - 89.4%; the lowest - in Daugavpils City - only 14.3%, Daugavpils Region - 37.2%, Riga - 38.8%. The number of Russians, Byelorussians, Ukrainians and Poles has decreased during the last decade, but the Jewish population had decreased even three times. The numbers of Russians is still high - 788 000 people or 32.3% from the whole population. Neatkariga

It is anticipated that the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel could pay his regular visit to Latvia. This would be his third visit here this year. The agenda is still to be discussed.

It is anticipated that the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel could pay his regular visit to Latvia. This would be his third visit here this year. The agenda is still to be discussed. Neatkariga

Political scientists of Russia in their report to the government on the political situation abroad have pointed out that solidarity of the Baltic states is getting weaker due to several factors. They think that the most important issue is territorial disputes.

Political scientists of Russia in their report to the government on the political situation abroad have pointed out that solidarity of the Baltic states is getting weaker due to several factors. They think that the most important issue is territorial disputes. Neatkariga

Latvian political scientist A.Runcis characterises this report as a well thought over and moderate.

Latvian political scientist A.Runcis characterises this report as a well thought over and moderate. Lauku Avize

G.Yevdokimov states that nationalism will remain the main food for politicians if 45.8% of electorate would keep supporting it. Therefore it is no wonder that Prime Minister A.Skele sticks to the most radical version of the Language Law. G.Yevdokimov thinks that one of the reasons of so active fight for preservation of the Latvian language is the struggle for power among different groups in the ruling elite.

G.Yevdokimov states that nationalism will remain the main food for politicians if 45.8% of electorate would keep supporting it. Therefore it is no wonder that Prime Minister A.Skele sticks to the most radical version of the Language Law. G.Yevdokimov thinks that one of the reasons of so active fight for preservation of the Latvian language is the struggle for power among different groups in the ruling elite. SM

The Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs thinks that losses from the unannounced sanctions of Russia against Latvia have reached 120 million LVL. He feels sorry that Latvian politicians are not informed about the already imposed sanctions, and considers that Latvia with her policy had done a lot to provoke these sanctions.

The Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs thinks that losses from the unannounced sanctions of Russia against Latvia have reached 120 million LVL. He feels sorry that Latvian politicians are not informed about the already imposed sanctions, and considers that Latvia with her policy had done a lot to provoke these sanctions. Bizness & Baltiya