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

Yesterday the meeting of

Yesterday the meeting of Saimnieks leaders expelled Kreituss from the party and decided to recall him from his post. Kreituss was accused in ignoring the party programme and disregarding the partys opinion on essential issues (pensions, teachers salaries, etc.). The party council is to make a final decision on Kreituss expulsion today. The meeting informed Prime-Minister Skele about its decision to recall Kreituss from the post of a Minister of Finance. The Prime-Minister will meet Kreituss today. The party leadership summoned Mrs. Kreituse to its next meeting. She will be asked to comment on her recent TV interview when Kreituse accused Cevers in destabilising the government. Kreituss says he will not resign and will discuss the situation with the Prime-Minister. According to unofficial information, Cevers had a meeting with Skele. The details of the meeting are unknown to the press. Representatives of other factions refused to comment on the possible resignation of the Minister of Finance. Deputy-Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee Lambergs says it would be unwise to demand the resignation before the state budget is adopted. According to draft amendments to the Saeima Procedures, a report on the budget will be delivered by the Minister of Finance and not by the Chairman of the Budget Committee. Diena, Neatkariga

Yesterday Chairman of the

Yesterday Chairman of the Saimnieks faction Juris Kaksitis and Chairman of the Unity faction Edgars Bans signed an agreement on forming a political block. The block will have 27 seats (Saimnieks- 20, Unity- 7). The block will accept independent deputies. Diena

The

The Saeima adopted the second reading of draft amendments to the law on land in metropolitan areas. The amendments introduce a free land market although they apply only to company property and do not grant noncitizen and foreign individuals the right to own land. The Saeima voted against passing amendments to the Citizenship Law on extraordinary naturalisation of Polish citizens to the Commissions. Diena

The CID spokesmen says a recent decision by the Riga City Council on additional document to be required from noncitizens willing to privatise their apartments. The documents include a certificate from the CID confirming a person is holding or has a right to apply for a new noncitizen’s passport. Head of the CID passport Division Vaira Sprince says the Cabinet of Ministers has not set the procedure for the issuing of the new passports yet. The State Human Rights Office does consider the additional requirement suggested by the City Council to be a human rights violation.

The CID spokesmen says a recent decision by the Riga City Council on additional document to be required from noncitizens willing to privatise their apartments. The documents include a certificate from the CID confirming a person is holding or has a right to apply for a new noncitizens passport. Head of the CID passport Division Vaira Sprince says the Cabinet of Ministers has not set the procedure for the issuing of the new passports yet. The State Human Rights Office does consider the additional requirement suggested by the City Council to be a human rights violation. Diena