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

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins considers that Russia could help the most to her compatriots living in Latvia by calling them to acquire Latvian citizenship. He made this statement commenting the announcement of the new Russian Prime Minister V.Putin that one of the foreign policy priorities of Russia would be protection of the interests of Russians living abroad.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins considers that Russia could help the most to her compatriots living in Latvia by calling them to acquire Latvian citizenship. He made this statement commenting the announcement of the new Russian Prime Minister V.Putin that one of the foreign policy priorities of Russia would be protection of the interests of Russians living abroad. Neatkariga, Chas

The Cabinet of Ministers granted the Central Elections Commission the necessary 190 000 Ls to organise collecting of signatures for the referendum on the amendments to the pensions law.

The Cabinet of Ministers granted the Central Elections Commission the necessary 190 000 Ls to organise collecting of signatures for the referendum on the amendments to the pensions law. Neatkariga

Latvijas Cels

faction will discuss a possibility to elaborate new amendments to the pension law permitting pensioners in some exact regions to work and at the same time receive their pension. faction will discuss a possibility to elaborate new amendments to the pension law permitting pensioners in some exact regions to work and at the same time receive their pension. Jauna AvizeJauna Avize The Board of Latvian Free Trade Unions decided yesterday to call people to take part in collecting signatures for the referendum. The Board also decided to prepare and circulate an official announcement on their attitude towards these amendments.

The Board of Latvian Free Trade Unions decided yesterday to call people to take part in collecting signatures for the referendum. The Board also decided to prepare and circulate an official announcement on their attitude towards these amendments. Neatkariga, Diena

The next EU expansion Commissioner G.Verheugen in his written answer to the EP questions points out Latvia as one of the three countries, where considerable improvements in human rights and minority rights issues have been observed lately “After the referendum a reform favourable for Russian speakers has been started in Latvia.”

The next EU expansion Commissioner G.Verheugen in his written answer to the EP questions points out Latvia as one of the three countries, where considerable improvements in human rights and minority rights issues have been observed lately After the referendum a reform favourable for Russian speakers has been started in Latvia. Diena

On Tuesday a round table discussion on Russia, Byelorussia and Latvia in the context of European integration took place. The Deputy Director of the Moscow Carnegy Centre D.Trenin expressed an opinion that Russia was gradually coming to realise that the Baltic states were not so much a problem as a possibility for development. He also voiced an opinion that the next Russian president should form relations with the Baltic states basing them on possibilities but not on problems.

On Tuesday a round table discussion on Russia, Byelorussia and Latvia in the context of European integration took place. The Deputy Director of the Moscow Carnegy Centre D.Trenin expressed an opinion that Russia was gradually coming to realise that the Baltic states were not so much a problem as a possibility for development. He also voiced an opinion that the next Russian president should form relations with the Baltic states basing them on possibilities but not on problems. Diena , Jauna Avize, Chas