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

Two Latvian rural municipalities had repeated elections this Sunday, as the March results were annulled for violations of voting procedures, reported Latvia's Central Voting Commission. Repeated voting is expected for the Preili region with an electorate of 7,553 and the Viesturi district in the region of Bauska with an electorate of 618 people. The turnover of voters in Preili were even lower (for 20%) than for the election on 11 March. Central Electorate Commission chairperson A.Cimdars informed that no violations were stated.

Two Latvian rural municipalities had repeated elections this Sunday, as the March results were annulled for violations of voting procedures, reported Latvia's Central Voting Commission. Repeated voting is expected for the Preili region with an electorate of 7,553 and the Viesturi district in the region of Bauska with an electorate of 618 people. The turnover of voters in Preili were even lower (for 20%) than for the election on 11 March. Central Electorate Commission chairperson A.Cimdars informed that no violations were stated. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States had an informal meeting Sunday night in Sigulda. The Prime Ministers discussed unified border-crossing procedures, cargo declaration system and formation of favourable environment for business activities and tourism.

The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States had an informal meeting Sunday night in Sigulda. The Prime Ministers discussed unified border-crossing procedures, cargo declaration system and formation of favourable environment for business activities and tourism. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Neatkariga

interviews Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga. The President did not agree to the opinion of some deputies that she had paid not enough attention to domestic policy and highly appreciates her high popularity rating and trust of the people of Latvia, however, asks not to forget that she is just a human being I am not Catherine the Great!. The President emphasises the big success made by Latvia towards the accession to the EU. When asked about the relations between Latvia and Russia in the context of the new Europe, the President says I have not heard anybody at the international forums that had rejected Russia in principle, although some of Russians complain that the attitude toward them is negative. I do not think so. Nobody says that Russians belong to lower class of people, however, the fact is that they have not advanced with reforms and changes as far as the Baltic States are. The will and ability to introduce the necessary reforms in Russia is not developed so far as it is in other countries, such as, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland. I have heard an opinion that in Russia there is only an imitation of democracy and reforms, that actually nothing has changed except that living standards have become worse. Of course, the opinions are very diverse. We in Latvia agree with the opinion of whole Europe – we want to see Russia as a developed, democratic country that is ready to have a rational co-operation with Europe. interviews Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga. The President did not agree to the opinion of some deputies that she had paid not enough attention to domestic policy and highly appreciates her high popularity rating and trust of the people of Latvia, however, asks not to forget that she is just a human being “I am not Catherine the Great!”. The President emphasises the big success made by Latvia towards the accession to the EU. When asked about the relations between Latvia and Russia in the context of the new Europe, the President says “I have not heard anybody at the international forums that had rejected Russia in principle, although some of Russians complain that the attitude toward them is negative. I do not think so. Nobody says that Russians belong to lower class of people, however, the fact is that they have not advanced with reforms and changes as far as the Baltic States are. The will and ability to introduce the necessary reforms in Russia is not developed so far as it is in other countries, such as, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland. I have heard an opinion that in Russia there is only an imitation of democracy and reforms, that actually nothing has changed except that living standards have become worse. Of course, the opinions are very diverse. We in Latvia agree with the opinion of whole Europe – we want to see Russia as a developed, democratic country that is ready to have a rational co-operation with Europe”.

Chas

interviews E.Vebers, one of the contributors of the review Ethnopolicy in Latvia. He admits that non-Latvians are growing into an organised power and if we do not pay any attention to them it would result in ethnic conflict. And as the main tool to prevent such situation he suggests to adopt the Law on National Minorities, as the effective one is not working. In regard to transition to education only in the state language, E.Vebers says that it was a hurried decision, in his opinion it should not be done before 2008. The professor also emphasises the necessity to establish Consultative Councils on non-citizen affairs in all biggest cities and towns of Latvia. interviews E.Vebers, one of the contributors of the review “Ethnopolicy in Latvia”. He admits that non-Latvians are growing into an organised power and if we do not pay any attention to them it would result in ethnic conflict. And as the main tool to prevent such situation he suggests to adopt the Law on National Minorities, as the effective one is not working. In regard to transition to education only in the state language, E.Vebers says that it was a hurried decision, in his opinion it should not be done before 2008. The professor also emphasises the necessity to establish Consultative Councils on non-citizen affairs in all biggest cities and towns of Latvia.