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

The Saeima factions are in the process of forming their attitude towards the LNNK cabinet. The Farmers have decided to support the cabinet and will have an "obligatory voting" while the Democrats have not officially announced their position which will be stated on Thursday. Decisions of the Forum of the Centrist parties are not mandatory for the Democrats. Yesterday the Forum stated that the LNNK government declaration had not taken into consideration the demands put forward by the Forum. "Latvijas Cels", People's Harmony, and Christian Democrats are expected to state their attitude today. "Ravnopraviye" and Political Union of Economists will make their final decision tomorrow. It is expected that the new cabinet will be also supported by "Tevzemei un Brivibai" while "Latvijas Cels" will probably vote against the new government or abstain. People's Harmony will not support the LNNK government. Currently LNNK can expect 45 votes in its favor. In case all 95 deputies are present the new cabinet will need to collect 48 votes. Meanwhile "LC" has formed a shade cabinet which differs from the existing one but is still headed by Mr.Birkavs. Head of the "Farmers' Union" Mr.Kinna told the press that there is "a theoretical possibility" of his faction forming the government.

The Saeima factions are in the process of forming their attitude towards the LNNK cabinet. The Farmers have decided to support the cabinet and will have an "obligatory voting" while the Democrats have not officially announced their position which will be stated on Thursday. Decisions of the Forum of the Centrist parties are not mandatory for the Democrats. Yesterday the Forum stated that the LNNK government declaration had not taken into consideration the demands put forward by the Forum. "Latvijas Cels", People's Harmony, and Christian Democrats are expected to state their attitude today. "Ravnopraviye" and Political Union of Economists will make their final decision tomorrow. It is expected that the new cabinet will be also supported by "Tevzemei un Brivibai" while "Latvijas Cels" will probably vote against the new government or abstain. People's Harmony will not support the LNNK government. Currently LNNK can expect 45 votes in its favor. In case all 95 deputies are present the new cabinet will need to collect 48 votes. Meanwhile "LC" has formed a shade cabinet which differs from the existing one but is still headed by Mr.Birkavs. Head of the "Farmers' Union" Mr.Kinna told the press that there is "a theoretical possibility" of his faction forming the government. Diena, Neatkariga Cina

The Government of Latvia will work out a national program for human rights protection within 60 days. Prime-Minister Birkavs said that Latvia needs an independent institution to monitor human rights issues and stressed that there was no comprehensive understanding of the human rights concept in the country. According to Mr.Birkavs all discussions are focused on the rights of ethnic minorities and non-citizens which are only one aspect of the whole human rights spectrum.

The Government of Latvia will work out a national program for human rights protection within 60 days. Prime-Minister Birkavs said that Latvia needs an independent institution to monitor human rights issues and stressed that there was no comprehensive understanding of the human rights concept in the country. According to Mr.Birkavs all discussions are focused on the rights of ethnic minorities and non-citizens which are only one aspect of the whole human rights spectrum. Panorama Latvii

The Riga City Council has not changed its decision on School 26 in spite of the picketing of the City Council yesterday. The Zemgale district authorities issued a decree banning any demonstrations associated with the school. Minister for Human Rights Bruvers in his interview referred to the actions taken by the authorities as "regrettable". He said that those steps cannot be classified as a violation of human rights but are an instance of "the total lack of respect for people."

The Riga City Council has not changed its decision on School 26 in spite of the picketing of the City Council yesterday. The Zemgale district authorities issued a decree banning any demonstrations associated with the school. Minister for Human Rights Bruvers in his interview referred to the actions taken by the authorities as "regrettable". He said that those steps cannot be classified as a violation of human rights but are an instance of "the total lack of respect for people." Diena, SM Segodnya

Members of the staff of Lithuanian Embassy to Latvia Mr.Lanchinskas and Mr.Vinchunas in their interview for "Panorama Latvii" criticized Latvian legislation for being inconsistent. They also pointed out the importance of the adoption of the alien law. Lithuanian diplomats had contacts with the CID while trying to protect the rights of ethnic Lithuanians residing in Latvia. PL

Members of the staff of Lithuanian Embassy to Latvia Mr.Lanchinskas and Mr.Vinchunas in their interview for "Panorama Latvii" criticized Latvian legislation for being inconsistent. They also pointed out the importance of the adoption of the alien law. Lithuanian diplomats had contacts with the CID while trying to protect the rights of ethnic Lithuanians residing in Latvia. PL