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

Diena

correspondent in Moscow informs that anti-Semitism becomes more widespread in Russia. Anti-Semitic literature and newspapers can be purchased easily; and high officials do not express their condemnation towards hostility raisers but pretend not noticing them. correspondent in Moscow informs that anti-Semitism becomes more widespread in Russia. Anti-Semitic literature and newspapers can be purchased easily; and high officials do not express their condemnation towards hostility raisers but pretend not noticing them. General Prosecutor Office asked the State Revenue Service to check the income declaration of People’s Party chairman A.Skele for the third time. The previous times SRS did not check very carefully the sources from which money was obtained to cover expenses in 1999.

General Prosecutor Office asked the State Revenue Service to check the income declaration of Peoples Party chairman A.Skele for the third time. The previous times SRS did not check very carefully the sources from which money was obtained to cover expenses in 1999. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Chas

Latvia wants to re-establish transit visa regime with Russia, basing this decision on the fact that November last year 4 national bolshevists entered Latvia by jumping from the train St.Petesburg – Kaliningrad.

Latvia wants to re-establish transit visa regime with Russia, basing this decision on the fact that November last year 4 national bolshevists entered Latvia by jumping from the train St.Petesburg – Kaliningrad. Diena

The Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in his interview for the national radio stated that Latvia is working hard to improve relations with Russia, however “it takes two to dance”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in his interview for the national radio stated that Latvia is working hard to improve relations with Russia, however it takes two to dance. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Newspaper

Chas discusses the interpretation of the term Latvians in regard to people of other nationalities that reside in Latvia. In the opinion of the author people of other nationalities are named Latvians (in the situations when it is necessary to name their country identity) only in such cases when it is politically advantageous for politicians.

The permanent visa regime with Russia has been approved and according to the procedure the non-citizens who want to go to Russia for the time period up to 3 months need a valid non-citizen passport and an invitation from Russia. However, the press centre of Russias Embassy to Latvia could not inform when the new procedure is effective. Chas

On Monday the court of Liepaja City started revision of the case of the magazine “Patriots”. The magazine was issued 3 times and its publications were of Nazis and anti-Semitic character.

On Monday the court of Liepaja City started revision of the case of the magazine Patriots. The magazine was issued 3 times and its publications were of Nazis and anti-Semitic character. Chas

“Russian factor” will play a particular role in the upcoming municipal election, as about 34 thousand people who have acquired citizenship very recently will be among the voters for the first time. From the viewpoint of the author there are three kinds of political organisations. “At elections Latvians usually vote for new parties as they are disappointed in the existing ones, that is why such parties as “Latvia’s Way” and Democratic Party try to convince non-Latvians to vote for them. Other parties, like FF/LNNK and People’s Party chose different approach – these parties try to convince non-Latvians not to come to elections at all. And then there is a third group – such as FHRUL – which has always defended non-Latvians”.

Russian factor will play a particular role in the upcoming municipal election, as about 34 thousand people who have acquired citizenship very recently will be among the voters for the first time. From the viewpoint of the author there are three kinds of political organisations. At elections Latvians usually vote for new parties as they are disappointed in the existing ones, that is why such parties as Latvias Way and Democratic Party try to convince non-Latvians to vote for them. Other parties, like FF/LNNK and Peoples Party chose different approach – these parties try to convince non-Latvians not to come to elections at all. And then there is a third group – such as FHRUL – which has always defended non-Latvians. Chas