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

According to the international anti-corruption organisation Transparency International data the corruption perception level in Latvia ha remained the same as the last year. From the total number of 90 states Latvia was placed 57th, Estonia is 27th but Lithuania - 43rd

According to the international anti-corruption organisation Transparency International data the corruption perception level in Latvia ha remained the same as the last year. From the total number of 90 states Latvia was placed 57th, Estonia is 27th but Lithuania - 43rd. Diena, Neatkariga

The difference of opinions in the Government forming coalition on approving the administration of the Finance and Capital Market Commission may make the relations in the ruling coalition even more complicated. On Wednesday the TB/LNNK faction announced that they might not support E.Kratins and J.Brazovskis as “people too deeply involved in politics”. The coalition during its extraordinary Wednesday’s meeting did not reach any result and only on Thursday morning they will decide whether the Saeima would vote on approving those two persons or to postpone the vote, hoping to find a compromise.

The difference of opinions in the Government forming coalition on approving the administration of the Finance and Capital Market Commission may make the relations in the ruling coalition even more complicated. On Wednesday the TB/LNNK faction announced that they might not support E.Kratins and J.Brazovskis as people too deeply involved in politics. The coalition during its extraordinary Wednesdays meeting did not reach any result and only on Thursday morning they will decide whether the Saeima would vote on approving those two persons or to postpone the vote, hoping to find a compromise. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

The Saeima deputy J.Adamosons’s case may create a new precedent in Latvian history – only a condemning sentence may prevent Mr.Adamsons to run for the next Saeima election. The Prosecutor’s General Office has not decided yet whether to stop the criminal proceedings against Adamsons or wait until his immunity as a Saeima deputy expires and then charge him.

The Saeima deputy J.Adamosonss case may create a new precedent in Latvian history – only a condemning sentence may prevent Mr.Adamsons to run for the next Saeima election. The Prosecutors General Office has not decided yet whether to stop the criminal proceedings against Adamsons or wait until his immunity as a Saeima deputy expires and then charge him. Diena

Latvijas Cels faction warned the three faction deputies E.Inkens, L.Mucins and H.Soldatjonoka for violating the party discipline when they voted against the proposal to start criminal proceedings against J.Adamsons.

Latvijas Cels faction warned the three faction deputies E.Inkens, L.Mucins and H.Soldatjonoka for violating the party discipline when they voted against the proposal to start criminal proceedings against J.Adamsons. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvijas Cels Press Secretary D.Gulbe confirmed the fact that former Latvian Ambassador to Israel, one of the founders of the party I.Silars has submitted an application on seceding LC. I.Silars confirmed this fact and explained this step by saying that he got disappointed in the party and was surprised about the words of some party member that he needed the party only as a “roof”.

Latvijas Cels Press Secretary D.Gulbe confirmed the fact that former Latvian Ambassador to Israel, one of the founders of the party I.Silars has submitted an application on seceding LC. I.Silars confirmed this fact and explained this step by saying that he got disappointed in the party and was surprised about the words of some party member that he needed the party only as a roof. Diena adds that the real reason could be that Silars took offence because the party did not help him to find a job after returning from his posting. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Respublika,

Although the Latvian Bank President A.Repse refused rumours about his wish to start a political career, his words at a press conference once more confirmed observations of politicians that Repse’s speeches had become political and proved his wish to be more actively involved in the life of the state. During last Wednesday press conference he criticised both the state budget, state administration reform and voiced his opinion what should be done.

Although the Latvian Bank President A.Repse refused rumours about his wish to start a political career, his words at a press conference once more confirmed observations of politicians that Repses speeches had become political and proved his wish to be more actively involved in the life of the state. During last Wednesday press conference he criticised both the state budget, state administration reform and voiced his opinion what should be done. Diena

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers in principle adopted the next year budget with a planned fiscal deficit of 1.9% from GDP, thus showing that the Government was not capable of fulfilling its obligation to IMF to keep this deficit within 1% boundaries. Neatkariga

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers in principle adopted the next year budget with a planned fiscal deficit of 1.9% from GDP, thus showing that the Government was not capable of fulfilling its obligation to IMF to keep this deficit within 1% boundaries. Neatkariga

Two parties – Peoples Harmony Party and Movement Equality united in the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia have different opinions how one should object to the State Language Law Regulations. The Board of Equality decided to stick to the call of non-violent resistance, expressed in the draft resolution. In its turn Peoples Harmony Party that has developed its own proposals, does not agree to this draft resolution and points out that the resolution contains ideas of only a few people that are much criticised now and mislead the society.

Two parties – Peoples Harmony Party and Movement Equality united in the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia have different opinions how one should object to the State Language Law Regulations. The Board of Equality decided to stick to the call of non-violent resistance, expressed in the draft resolution. In its turn Peoples Harmony Party that has developed its own proposals, does not agree to this draft resolution and points out that the resolution contains ideas of only a few people that are much criticised now and mislead the society. Neatkariga, Respublika, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The former Latvian citizen and Riga City Council deputy J.Zhuravlov tries to restore his citizenship and came out with a shocking announcement that he was deprived of Latvian citizenship on the order of the leader of National Progress Party J.Karlsons. J.Karlsons was the next in the party list for the Riga City Council election and did not get into the Council. He had demanded J.Zhuravlyov to give up his mandate or pay 20 000 Ls as a payment for pre-election expenses.

The former Latvian citizen and Riga City Council deputy J.Zhuravlov tries to restore his citizenship and came out with a shocking announcement that he was deprived of Latvian citizenship on the order of the leader of National Progress Party J.Karlsons. J.Karlsons was the next in the party list for the Riga City Council election and did not get into the Council. He had demanded J.Zhuravlyov to give up his mandate or pay 20 000 Ls as a payment for pre-election expenses. Jauna Avize, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs T.H.Ilvess announced that Estonia was not a Baltic State any more but a post-communist Scandinavian country.

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs T.H.Ilvess announced that Estonia was not a Baltic State any more but a post-communist Scandinavian country. Respublika

Today in Riga opens the second international meeting of prosecutors on Nazi war time crimes. The meeting starts with a scandal – Russia announced that it had not been invited, Latvia states that Russia just ignored this invitation, but the Simon Vizentahl Centre announced that it was the last chance for Latvia to demonstrate its political will to sentence Latvians.

Today in Riga opens the second international meeting of prosecutors on Nazi war time crimes. The meeting starts with a scandal – Russia announced that it had not been invited, Latvia states that Russia just ignored this invitation, but the Simon Vizentahl Centre announced that it was the last chance for Latvia to demonstrate its political will to sentence Latvians. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The OSCE High Commissioner High Commissioner Max van der Stoel made it clear during his visit to Moscow that he was not completely satisfied with the Latvian State Language Law regulations. The topic was discussed upon a request of the Russian party. The Commissioner stated that Latvian authorities had listened to his recommendations and a considerable part of the articles had been amended but the final version of the document was not completely satisfying.

The OSCE High Commissioner High Commissioner Max van der Stoel made it clear during his visit to Moscow that he was not completely satisfied with the Latvian State Language Law regulations. The topic was discussed upon a request of the Russian party. The Commissioner stated that Latvian authorities had listened to his recommendations and a considerable part of the articles had been amended but the final version of the document was not completely satisfying. Vesti Segodnya