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

Press Report

Prime Minister A.Berzins gave an interview to the Russian speaking newspaper

Prime Minister A.Berzins gave an interview to the Russian speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya. Answering to the question about the right of vote for non-citizens to participate in municipal elections, he admitted that Latvia most probably would come to this, but maybe not during this election. But he pointed out that there were good possibilities for people who wanted to participate in the social and political life in this country. It is very important that as many people as possible would participate in municipal election. He also said that if he were in the Parliament he would vote for granting municipal election right to non-citizens.

On Wednesday Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Linda stated at a press conference that Russian reproaches about the court procedures in Latvia, started against former red guerrilla men, and the tone of them were not acceptable. Sweden had clearly pointed out to Russia that it had been a rude talk and therefore not acceptable to Sweden. The Minister also called EU member states to demonstrate greater support for Latvia.

On Wednesday Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Linda stated at a press conference that Russian reproaches about the court procedures in Latvia, started against former red guerrilla men, and the tone of them were not acceptable. Sweden had clearly pointed out to Russia that it had been a rude talk and therefore not acceptable to Sweden. The Minister also called EU member states to demonstrate greater support for Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya

On Wednesday Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov handed the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins a letter from Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs with congratulations on his repeated appointing to this post. In the letter I.Ivanov expressed a hope that mutual relations between both countries “would develop in the spirit of good neighbourly relations and understanding.”

On Wednesday Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov handed the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins a letter from Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs with congratulations on his repeated appointing to this post. In the letter I.Ivanov expressed a hope that mutual relations between both countries would develop in the spirit of good neighbourly relations and understanding. Diena

Yesterday People’s Party faction elected V.Muizniece the new Chairman of the faction.

Yesterday Peoples Party faction elected V.Muizniece the new Chairman of the faction. Diena

On Tuesday Russia and Estonia agreed on basic principles of economic and trade co-operation. This gives reason for some hope that, after this agreement is signed and takes effect, Russia would be abolished double tariffs on Estonia export goods to Russia. So far Estonian party does not to celebrate this achievement considering that the break through will be achieved only when the agreement is really signed.

On Tuesday Russia and Estonia agreed on basic principles of economic and trade co-operation. This gives reason for some hope that, after this agreement is signed and takes effect, Russia would be abolished double tariffs on Estonia export goods to Russia. So far Estonian party does not to celebrate this achievement considering that the break through will be achieved only when the agreement is really signed. Diena

According to the opinion of former US State Secretary H.Kissinger, spreading of strategic interests of Russia on its neighbouring countries, including the independent Baltic States, threats with returning of “the cold war era”.

According to the opinion of former US State Secretary H.Kissinger, spreading of strategic interests of Russia on its neighbouring countries, including the independent Baltic States, threats with returning of the cold war era. Diena

Answering to a publication in Neatkariga, Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov sent a letter to this newspaper where he told about his activities in Kononov’s case and refused the assertions that he had tried to influence the court decision by arriving to the court hearing. He reminds that the court decision has not been taken yet, accordingly V.Kononov may not be considered as guilty. And the Ambassador states that “the main task of any ambassador in his posting country is to defend citizens of his country in the country of their temporary residence.”

Answering to a publication in Neatkariga, Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov sent a letter to this newspaper where he told about his activities in Kononovs case and refused the assertions that he had tried to influence the court decision by arriving to the court hearing. He reminds that the court decision has not been taken yet, accordingly V.Kononov may not be considered as guilty. And the Ambassador states that the main task of any ambassador in his posting country is to defend citizens of his country in the country of their temporary residence. Neatkariga

The State Language Centre demands the organisers of annual proxies meeting of the European Reconstruction and Development Bank to eliminate immediately all the State Language Law violations – all visual information for this meeting is in English.

The State Language Centre demands the organisers of annual proxies meeting of the European Reconstruction and Development Bank to eliminate immediately all the State Language Law violations – all visual information for this meeting is in English. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga during her meeting with American Foreign affairs Committee spoke about Latvian attempts to join EU and NATO, emphasising the importance of union and co-operation of these 3 countries.

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga during her meeting with American Foreign affairs Committee spoke about Latvian attempts to join EU and NATO, emphasising the importance of union and co-operation of these 3 countries. Neatkariga

No results were achieved during the first negotiation between Latvijas Cels and People’s Party on changes in the leadership of the Saeima commissions. The LC faction leader K.Libane informed that the position of LC faction remained the same – there was no need to exchange the leaders if they acted professionally and did their job.

No results were achieved during the first negotiation between Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party on changes in the leadership of the Saeima commissions. The LC faction leader K.Libane informed that the position of LC faction remained the same – there was no need to exchange the leaders if they acted professionally and did their job. Neatkariga

M.Krautmenis in Neatkariga writes about the new tender for printing Latvia citizen passports and says that recurrently there is suspicion of corruption during this process. The author describes the history of the intention to exchange the valid citizen passports for new, more secure ones. Two times the tender was won by the Finnish company Setec, but the Government did not want to approve the results of these tenders. The head of the DCMA I.Zitars was made guilty for this and dismissed. The new Minister of Interior Seglins has announced a new tender, and the proposals had to be ready by May 11. Therefore independent experts think that it is possible that the winner is already known – because to prepare a bid in such a short time is possible only if you new about the tender beforehand.

M.Krautmenis in Neatkariga writes about the new tender for printing Latvia citizen passports and says that recurrently there is suspicion of corruption during this process. The author describes the history of the intention to exchange the valid citizen passports for new, more secure ones. Two times the tender was won by the Finnish company Setec, but the Government did not want to approve the results of these tenders. The head of the DCMA I.Zitars was made guilty for this and dismissed. The new Minister of Interior Seglins has announced a new tender, and the proposals had to be ready by May 11. Therefore independent experts think that it is possible that the winner is already known – because to prepare a bid in such a short time is possible only if you new about the tender beforehand. Neatkariga

Two new deputies - H.Cibulis and M.Emsis will join the faction of People’s Party the replace A.Slakteris and K.Greiskalns, who have become ministers.

Two new deputies - H.Cibulis and M.Emsis will join the faction of Peoples Party the replace A.Slakteris and K.Greiskalns, who have become ministers. Jauna Avize

A solemn ceremony was held at the office of the Managing Director of Zemgale Suburb where one hundred residents of Zemgale and Kurzeme Suburbs received documents for granting them citizenship through the process of naturalisation. The documents to the new citizens were handed by the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane.

A solemn ceremony was held at the office of the Managing Director of Zemgale Suburb where one hundred residents of Zemgale and Kurzeme Suburbs received documents for granting them citizenship through the process of naturalisation. The documents to the new citizens were handed by the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane. Jauna Avize

M.Antonevics, analysing the new Government declaration, came across such a slogan - “the Government stands for market economy, not for market society, seeing the goal to establish an information society in Latvia, that would preserve its identity, but ensure increasing of Latvian competitiveness in the conditions of globalisation.” He asked several specialists and Saeima deputies what this “market society” means.

M.Antonevics, analysing the new Government declaration, came across such a slogan - the Government stands for market economy, not for market society, seeing the goal to establish an information society in Latvia, that would preserve its identity, but ensure increasing of Latvian competitiveness in the conditions of globalisation. He asked several specialists and Saeima deputies what this market society means. Lauku Avize

Prime Minister A.Berzins has decided that in his office there will be not more than 7 – 8 employees. J.Smits is appointed the Office Head, P.Elferts has become Prime Minister’s Councillor in relations with the Parliament and the Government forming coalition.

Prime Minister A.Berzins has decided that in his office there will be not more than 7 – 8 employees. J.Smits is appointed the Office Head, P.Elferts has become Prime Ministers Councillor in relations with the Parliament and the Government forming coalition. Lauku Avize

Today in Riga will start Latvian – German political consultations of MFA State Secretaries. They plan to discuss EU and NATO expansion, relations with Russia and the bilateral relations.

Today in Riga will start Latvian – German political consultations of MFA State Secretaries. They plan to discuss EU and NATO expansion, relations with Russia and the bilateral relations. Respublika

On Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the concise version of the Integration Program. The Cabinet named the priorities and decided to establish an Integration Fund. It also allocated 16 600 Ls for further development of the Program.

On Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the concise version of the Integration Program. The Cabinet named the priorities and decided to establish an Integration Fund. It also allocated 16 600 Ls for further development of the Program. Respublika

Yesterday at a press conference in Tallinn Finnish President T.Halounen expressed her doubt about the concern of many Baltic politicians, who considered that Russia caused a threat for this region. Ms.Halounen said that Finnish experience proved a possibility of establishing good neighbourly relations with Russia.

Yesterday at a press conference in Tallinn Finnish President T.Halounen expressed her doubt about the concern of many Baltic politicians, who considered that Russia caused a threat for this region. Ms.Halounen said that Finnish experience proved a possibility of establishing good neighbourly relations with Russia. Vesti Segodnya