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 Report

TB/LNNK has decided to set their goal for the next municipal election of 2001 to be represented in all local governments of cities and regions. The Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats pointed out that TB/LNNK should more specific in defining their position on local governments’ issues.

TB/LNNK has decided to set their goal for the next municipal election of 2001 to be represented in all local governments of cities and regions. The Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats pointed out that TB/LNNK should more specific in defining their position on local governments issues. Neatkariga, Diena

Prime Minister A.Skele will go to Sweden to take part in the meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic and Nordic States.

Prime Minister A.Skele will go to Sweden to take part in the meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic and Nordic States. Neatkariga, Diena

The program of the Latvian Naturalisation grant, announced at the beginning of October, received a widespread response. The total number of projects to solve citizenship, national minorities and public integration problems is 50. They come from all regions of Latvia, and the winners will be known after one month.

The program of the Latvian Naturalisation grant, announced at the beginning of October, received a widespread response. The total number of projects to solve citizenship, national minorities and public integration problems is 50. They come from all regions of Latvia, and the winners will be known after one month. Neatkariga

At the sitting of TB/LNNK Council the Minister of Justice R.Zile expressed his disappointment with the style of work of the Government, when due to the speed suffers the quality of decisions,. He also criticised the planned regional reform.

Diena

L.Grigule, Co-ordinator of the Program Changes in Education of the Soros Foundation Latvia analyses the situation with bilingual education in Latvia. Ms.Grigule states that the methodology has been elaborated for this kind of education, and the Soros Foundation is working on preparing teachers for bilingual education. Diena

TB/LNNK want to meet with President V.V.Freiberga and find out why she had not announced but sent for the second consideration the language law and the law on public organisations, supported by the three parties that had elected her. TB/LNNK would like the President, before taking such decisions, to listen to the opinion of the parties. Diena

Peoples Harmony Party Chairman J.Jurkans informed that Peoples Harmony Party and movement Equality had decided to unite by Christmas to strengthen the Saeima faction. Mr.Jurkans pointed out that PHP dissociated it from the opinion voiced by the Socialist Party leader A.Rubiks. Diena

The Government has planned that in the nearest future Latvian residents would have two identification documents – a passport and a national ID. In 2002 will expire the validity term for passports of those Latvian citizens who received them first because passports were issued with the validity term for 10 years. Is not possible to extend the validity term without exchanging a passport due to technical reasons. Therefore it is necessary to prepare new passports. Under the leadership of DCMA, a project has been elaborated that stipulates to introduce a new ID usage system by 2002. The current passports within the territory of the state would be replaced by national identity cards. The new passport will be necessary just for going abroad. Jauna Avize

A.Schukin writes that the planned amendments to the law on TV and radio could give the Government unlimited control on the last residence of Russian TV channels – cable TV. These amendments cold be adopted already in November.

A.Schukin writes that the planned amendments to the law on TV and radio could give the Government unlimited control on the last residence of Russian TV channels – cable TV. These amendments cold be adopted already in November. Chas

The Saeima deputy from TB/LNNK faction J.Vidins provided Latvian volunteers with the addresses of Chechen leaders and even connected to-be mercenaries via satellite phone with the field commanders. The journalist of Vesti Segodnya A.Yelkin states that such activities of a Latvian parliamentarian could lead to Russia accusing Latvia on favouring international terrorism ands assisting the forces fighting against territorial integrity of Russia.

The Saeima deputy from TB/LNNK faction J.Vidins provided Latvian volunteers with the addresses of Chechen leaders and even connected to-be mercenaries via satellite phone with the field commanders. The journalist of Vesti Segodnya A.Yelkin states that such activities of a Latvian parliamentarian could lead to Russia accusing Latvia on favouring international terrorism ands assisting the forces fighting against territorial integrity of Russia. Vesti Segodnya