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

Diena

gives the article by Latvian Foreign Policy Institution director A.Lejins on the analysis of the relations between Russia and NATO. A.Lejins concludes that the chances of the Baltic States to join NATO have not worsened because of the recent political events. gives the article by Latvian Foreign Policy Institution director A.Lejins on the analysis of the relations between Russia and NATO. A.Lejins concludes that the chances of the Baltic States to join NATO have not worsened because of the recent political events.

Diena

devotes the whole its supplement to discussions and views of different public persons about NGOs and their role in the political scene. devotes the whole its supplement to discussions and views of different public persons about NGOs and their role in the political scene. 11 and 12 October the first Congress of Russian compatriots residing abroad will take place in Moscow. It is expected to have about 1000 participants form CIS and other countries. Latvia will be presented by the delegation of 5 members.

11 and 12 October the first Congress of Russian compatriots residing abroad will take place in Moscow. It is expected to have about 1000 participants form CIS and other countries. Latvia will be presented by the delegation of 5 members. Diena, Chas

Diena

talks to Peoples Party member V.Paegle who recently was elected to the post of the Vice-president of the PACE. V.Pagle is strictly against the ratification of the EC Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities as it contradicts to the integration programme developed by the Latvian Government. V.Paegle is also rather critical about the international organisations stating that all international system – the UN, EC, OSCE – experiences middle life crisis. These organisations have turned into the ends in themselves. talks to People’s Party member V.Paegle who recently was elected to the post of the Vice-president of the PACE. V.Pagle is strictly against the ratification of the EC Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities as it contradicts to the integration programme developed by the Latvian Government. V.Paegle is also rather critical about the international organisations stating that “all international system – the UN, EC, OSCE – experiences middle life crisis. These organisations have turned into the ends in themselves”.

Chas

interviews FHRUL leader J.Jurkans. He is critical about performance of his partys faction at Riga City Council and blames in it the restrictions in legislation and indecisiveness of Social Democrats when choosing coalition partners. About the possible merging with other political powers J.Jurkans is sceptic and says that for the moment FHRUL could accept only individual members. FHRUL leader states that Latvia does not have its own domestic policy; the state follows different directives from different sources and that the ruling parties are not concerned with humanitarian problems at all – the situation will be like that till the moment when privatisation is over. interviews FHRUL leader J.Jurkans. He is critical about performance of his party’s faction at Riga City Council and blames in it the restrictions in legislation and indecisiveness of Social Democrats when choosing coalition partners. About the possible merging with other political powers J.Jurkans is sceptic and says that for the moment FHRUL could accept only individual members. FHRUL leader states that Latvia does not have its own domestic policy; the state follows different directives from different sources and that the ruling parties are not concerned with humanitarian problems at all – the situation will be like that till the moment when privatisation is over. Central Electorate Commission is developing amendments to the Parliament Election Law. The amendments are in regard to voting procedure abroad.

Central Electorate Commission is developing amendments to the Parliament Election Law. The amendments are in regard to voting procedure abroad. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

reports that a group of nationalistic PM have attempted to annul B.Cilevics Latvian delegation at PACE member mandate. The matter will be reviewed by the Saeima on 11 Ocotber. reports that a group of nationalistic PM have attempted to annul B.Cilevic’s Latvian delegation at PACE member mandate. The matter will be reviewed by the Saeima on 11 Ocotber.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes parts of TV show From the Position of Power with Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins. Prime Minister admits that the pace of naturalisation has dropped recently, however, our goal stays the same – the integrated society. He also thinks that the Latvian Government has done its best and now it is the turn of non-citizens to take actions. In regard to the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, A.Berzins voiced that of course, we will ratify it – the question is: when. publishes parts of TV show “From the Position of Power” with Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins. Prime Minister admits that the pace of naturalisation has dropped recently, however, “our goal stays the same – the integrated society”. He also thinks that the Latvian Government has done its best and now it is the turn of non-citizens to take actions. In regard to the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, A.Berzins voiced that “of course, we will ratify it – the question is: when”. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii