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

Latvia's Parliament Speaker, Janis Straume, met with Lithuania's Prime Minister, Algirdas Brazauskas, in Riga on Thursday and discussed the good mutual relations between both countries and developing these relations in future. The Latvian Parliament reported that during their meeting, Straume said that Latvian and Lithuanian relations have developed successfully. He reminded that an active inter-governmental political dialogue has established on all levels, giving the possibility for regular information exchange on significant foreign policy issues, namely EU and NAT enlargement, the political and practical aspects of these issues.

Latvia's Parliament Speaker, Janis Straume, met with Lithuania's Prime Minister, Algirdas Brazauskas, in Riga on Thursday and discussed the good mutual relations between both countries and developing these relations in future. The Latvian Parliament reported that during their meeting, Straume said that Latvian and Lithuanian relations have developed successfully. He reminded that an active inter-governmental political dialogue has established on all levels, giving the possibility for regular information exchange on significant foreign policy issues, namely EU and NAT enlargement, the political and practical aspects of these issues. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas

Vaira Paegle, the head of the Latvian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has criticized the anti-terrorism resolution adopted by PACE on Wednesday, describing it as "lukewarm and self-satisfying."

Vaira Paegle, the head of the Latvian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has criticized the anti-terrorism resolution adopted by PACE on Wednesday, describing it as "lukewarm and self-satisfying." BNS

Vaira Paegle, was elected as vice president of the assembly unanimously today, as LETA was informed by the secretariat of Latvia's delegation.

Vaira Paegle, was elected as vice president of the assembly unanimously today, as LETA was informed by the secretariat of Latvia's delegation. LETA

Talks on the budget for 2002 are almost in a deadlock position, Prime Minister Andris Berzins said in an interview on Latvian State Radio today in commenting on the government's debate on the national budget for next year. The premier said that the delay is because Ministry of Finance is changing its stance frequently, and Finance Minister Gundars Berzins thinks, "he is the only person who has the right to decide financial matters". Berzins believes that such finance minister's actions are "an attempt to put the government in a silly situation".

Talks on the budget for 2002 are almost in a deadlock position, Prime Minister Andris Berzins said in an interview on Latvian State Radio today in commenting on the government's debate on the national budget for next year. The premier said that the delay is because Ministry of Finance is changing its stance frequently, and Finance Minister Gundars Berzins thinks, "he is the only person who has the right to decide financial matters". Berzins believes that such finance minister's actions are "an attempt to put the government in a silly situation". LETA, Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segognya

Diena adds that now the relations between the two ruling coalition parties Peoples Party and Latvias Way have become critical.

Newspaper

Newspaper Neatkariga wanted the publish the full text of US State Secretary C.Powells letter, but Latvian MFA refused to give it. Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins explained that if Mr. Powell would like this letter to be public he would have stated so. Minister said that there was nothing secret in that letter and no underwater cliffs.

Faction For Human Rights in United Latvia leader J.Jurkans writes that now Latvia has to understand – it may not afford any more to disregard Russia; all major political decisions in the world will be made taking into consideration Russian interests. And clear indication for this is Powell’s letter. Unwillingness of Latvian MFA to publish it shows that the Ministry is at a loss what to do.

Faction For Human Rights in United Latvia leader J.Jurkans writes that now Latvia has to understand – it may not afford any more to disregard Russia; all major political decisions in the world will be made taking into consideration Russian interests. And clear indication for this is Powells letter. Unwillingness of Latvian MFA to publish it shows that the Ministry is at a loss what to do. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnya writes about one more political scandal. During the discussion of the draft law “On repatriation” at the Saeima Human Rights Commission MPs from faction For Freedom and Fatherland/LNNK demanded to supplement this law with a new “de-occupation” chapter “On departure from Latvia”. These radicals think that the state has to provide all financing for departure (read – eviction) of non-Latvians from the state. If this gets support in the parliament the idea of de-occupation and “de-colonization” will be implemented; on the account of taxpayers.

Vesti Segodnya writes about one more political scandal. During the discussion of the draft law On repatriation at the Saeima Human Rights Commission MPs from faction For Freedom and Fatherland/LNNK demanded to supplement this law with a new de-occupation chapter On departure from Latvia. These radicals think that the state has to provide all financing for departure (read – eviction) of non-Latvians from the state. If this gets support in the parliament the idea of de-occupation and de-colonization will be implemented; on the account of taxpayers.