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

On Friday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins finished his visit to Moscow during which he collected materials for a report to CoE on situation in Chechnya. The report has to be made on January 25, and it may leave a great impact on solving the conflict between CoE and Russia. Judging from the mood of the delegation, the recommendations I.Berzins is going to make in the name of the Council of Ministers, will be positive for Russia. This hope has been voiced by several Russian officials.

On Friday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins finished his visit to Moscow during which he collected materials for a report to CoE on situation in Chechnya. The report has to be made on January 25, and it may leave a great impact on solving the conflict between CoE and Russia. Judging from the mood of the delegation, the recommendations I.Berzins is going to make in the name of the Council of Ministers, will be positive for Russia. This hope has been voiced by several Russian officials. Diena

In order to develop mutual co-operation between NGOs and the state in the fields of improving legislation and developing of state policy, Ministry of Justice I.Labucka and Director of NGOs Center K.Gertnere signed an agreement protocol. It is planned to establish a working group to develop a draft law on NGOs.

In order to develop mutual co-operation between NGOs and the state in the fields of improving legislation and developing of state policy, Ministry of Justice I.Labucka and Director of NGOs Center K.Gertnere signed an agreement protocol. It is planned to establish a working group to develop a draft law on NGOs. Diena

With the help of the Dutch Embassy Rezekne office of the National Employment Service organized this year two groups for unemployed persons to study the state language free of charge. Last year 107 unemployed received such training, and 95 of them passed the state language test. In January 2001 the unemployment rate in Rezekne was 11.41% but in the Region – 25.63%.

With the help of the Dutch Embassy Rezekne office of the National Employment Service organized this year two groups for unemployed persons to study the state language free of charge. Last year 107 unemployed received such training, and 95 of them passed the state language test. In January 2001 the unemployment rate in Rezekne was 11.41% but in the Region – 25.63%. Diena

Contrary to the opposition factions, the ruling coalition partners People’s Party, FF/LNNK and Latvian Way – do not link the disputable issue of privatizing the Latvian Shipping Company with the stability of the government. Prime Minister’s Press Secretary A.Lapins said that if somebody wanted to overthrow the government he might find many different ways, but it would be a very unpopular move. Already two weeks ago the Prime Minister learned about such plans. Deputy Chairman of Latvian Way A.Pantelejevs voiced an opinion that it was possible to find a compromise concerning privatization of Latvian Shipping Company.

Contrary to the opposition factions, the ruling coalition partners Peoples Party, FF/LNNK and Latvian Way – do not link the disputable issue of privatizing the Latvian Shipping Company with the stability of the government. Prime Ministers Press Secretary A.Lapins said that if somebody wanted to overthrow the government he might find many different ways, but it would be a very unpopular move. Already two weeks ago the Prime Minister learned about such plans. Deputy Chairman of Latvian Way A.Pantelejevs voiced an opinion that it was possible to find a compromise concerning privatization of Latvian Shipping Company. Neatkariga

Today is planned to establish diplomatic relations between Latvia and Yugoslavian Federative Republic. The new government of this republic already last December expressed a wish to renew or establish new relations with all states in the world.

Today is planned to establish diplomatic relations between Latvia and Yugoslavian Federative Republic. The new government of this republic already last December expressed a wish to renew or establish new relations with all states in the world. Neatkariga

Evaluating the relations of Russia and Latvia after his visit to Moscow Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of CoE Council of Ministers I.Berzins said that there were too many myths about the situation in Latvia. As one of the myths he named the opinion that Russian war veterans do not enjoy any privileges while former legionnaires had received the status of politically repressed persons. During his visit I.Berzins called the Russian government to sign border agreement with Latvia.

Evaluating the relations of Russia and Latvia after his visit to Moscow Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of CoE Council of Ministers I.Berzins said that there were too many myths about the situation in Latvia. As one of the myths he named the opinion that Russian war veterans do not enjoy any privileges while former legionnaires had received the status of politically repressed persons. During his visit I.Berzins called the Russian government to sign border agreement with Latvia. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga received the concept of ombudsmen institution from the leader of the working group, established by the President’s Chancellery. The working group consisted of the representatives of all Saeima factions, the President, Constitutional Court, Latvian University, Association of Latvian Lawyers, Ministry of Justice, NHRO, Ministry of Communications, NGOs and other institutions.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga received the concept of ombudsmen institution from the leader of the working group, established by the Presidents Chancellery. The working group consisted of the representatives of all Saeima factions, the President, Constitutional Court, Latvian University, Association of Latvian Lawyers, Ministry of Justice, NHRO, Ministry of Communications, NGOs and other institutions. Neatkariga

On Friday evening representatives of political parties queued up in front of the door of the Central Election Commission to be the first to submit their candidates’ lists for local government election because the lists would receive a number according to their submission.

On Friday evening representatives of political parties queued up in front of the door of the Central Election Commission to be the first to submit their candidates lists for local government election because the lists would receive a number according to their submission. Chas, (22.01)- Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya