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

The outgoing U.S. ambassador in Latvia, James Holmes, gives an interview to

The outgoing U.S. ambassador in Latvia, James Holmes, gives an interview to Diena. The ambassador gives a positive assessment to Latvias progress in general since his arrival and particularly praises Latvias ability to judge historical events, such as Kaleja case. When asked if Russia is going to use in its advantage difficulties with integration process in Latvia, the ambassador says Society integration is of enormous importance for the future of Latvia. Whether one likes it or not Latvian community is a multi-cultural community, therefore there should be the way ensuring not only peaceful but also successful co-living of its members. And I see it true in todays Latvia. And also OSCE, which representation was opened here in order to observe how these issues are dealt with, sees the same. In general the OSCE is satisfied with the achievements of Latvia in this sphere and it has not found any proves of systematic human rights violations. We consider that the statements saying society integration has not succeeded and that a community here is neo-fascistic are untrue. Latvia has done everything what it had to normalise and stabilise relations with Russia. It has fulfilled its obligations towards the OSCE in the spheres of citizenship and society integration.

BNS

informs about the meeting of Latvia's parliament speaker J.Straume and the U.S. ambassador when they also discussed Latvian-Russian bilateral relations. Holmes said that the most effective argument against current Russian comments on the state language issue would be the OSCE mission's work in Latvia. informs about the meeting of Latvia's parliament speaker J.Straume and the U.S. ambassador when they also discussed Latvian-Russian bilateral relations. Holmes said that the most effective argument against current Russian comments on the state language issue would be the OSCE mission's work in Latvia. 25% St.Petersburg residents see Latvia and the USA as the main enemies of Russia, then follows NATO and Estonia and Lithuania are the enemies for 20% of respondents.

25% St.Petersburg residents see Latvia and the USA as the main enemies of Russia, then follows NATO and Estonia and Lithuania are the enemies for 20% of respondents. Diena

Chas

asks politician, Peoples Harmony Party member N.Neilands to share his views about Latvian Social Democrats. In his opinion the existing Latvias Social Democrats Workers Party does not correspond to classic perception of Social Democrats – in regard to treatment of national issues Latvian Social Democrats are the same as FF/LNNK. In regard to the possible merge of Peoples Harmony Party and Social Democrats Neilands is rather sceptic when in the programmes and deeds of parties the way to harmony in a society is clearly defined, then the merge takes place. asks politician, People’s Harmony Party member N.Neilands to share his views about Latvian Social Democrats. In his opinion the existing Latvia’s Social Democrats Workers Party does not correspond to classic perception of Social Democrats – in regard to treatment of national issues “Latvian Social Democrats are the same as FF/LNNK”. In regard to the possible merge of Peoples Harmony Party and Social Democrats Neilands is rather sceptic “when in the programmes and deeds of parties the way to harmony in a society is clearly defined, then the merge takes place”. Prime Minister A.Berzins has not decided yet whether he will run for the 8th Saeima election.

Prime Minister A.Berzins has not decided yet whether he will run for the 8th Saeima election. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Riga District Court will review the case of war crime suspect red partisan V.Kononov no sooner as at the end of 2002, but the appellation of the sentenced M.Farbtuh will be reviewed on 2 November.

Riga District Court will review the case of war crime suspect red partisan V.Kononov no sooner as at the end of 2002, but the appellation of the sentenced M.Farbtuh will be reviewed on 2 November. Chas

Saeima deputy B.Cilevic provides an analyses of the current policy in Latvia. He thinks that the fact that the ruling parties did not distanced themselves from radical nationalistic activities, putting all their efforts in keeping power and trying to continue the implementation of their current programmes are the obvious guarantee that the process of changes in regard to the current ruling politicians will go on.

Saeima deputy B.Cilevic provides an analyses of the current policy in Latvia. He thinks that the fact that the ruling parties did not distanced themselves from radical nationalistic activities, putting all their efforts in keeping power and trying to continue the implementation of their current programmes are the obvious guarantee that the process of changes in regard to the current ruling politicians will go on. Vesti Segodnja