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

Deputy Prime-Minister Ziedonis Cevers resigned yesterday. Among reasons for his resignation, Mr. Cevers names Prime-Minister Skele’s “dictatorship” over the Cabinet. Cevers accused Skele in ignoring economic problems of the majority of Latvia's population. Cevers especially pointed at taxation of pensions suggested by Skele and criticized him for "backing up the interests of a small group of entrepreneurs". At a press-conference Mr. Cevers said he would return to his duties as a

Deputy Prime-Minister Ziedonis Cevers resigned yesterday. Among reasons for his resignation, Mr. Cevers names Prime-Minister Skeles dictatorship over the Cabinet. Cevers accused Skele in ignoring economic problems of the majority of Latvia's population. Cevers especially pointed at taxation of pensions suggested by Skele and criticized him for "backing up the interests of a small group of entrepreneurs". At a press-conference Mr. Cevers said he would return to his duties as a Saeima deputy while "Saimnieks" would stay in the Government. Prime-Minister Skele says he will terminate Cevers' office "with all its staff and motor-cars". He refuses to comment on the resignation adding that Mr. Cevers had to submit a memo on the state security concept today. Yesterday Cevers had a meeting with President Ulmanis. The President told "DIENA" Mr. Cevers was dissatisfied with the Prime-Minister's disrespect for the opinion of the Cabinet members and ignoring the importance of a team work. Mr. Ulmanis agrees that the team spirit and strict subordination are of an utmost importance for a Cabinet consisting of twenty-seven ministers. Diena, SM, Neatkariga

Lithuanian Conservative "Union for Motherland" headed by Vitautas Landsbergis is winning parliamentary elections. It has already won over 29% of votes. Mr. Landsbergis told the press the policy of the party would be aimed at "forming a healthy society without discrimination and privileges". State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins admits the results of the election do not give any hope of an easier negotiation over the border problem. Mr. Landsbergis said yesterday Lithuania would "strengthen its relations with Baltic states including Latvia". Still, he suggested establishing the sea border with Latvia unilaterally. He believes that would allow reaching a compromise with Latvia.

Lithuanian Conservative "Union for Motherland" headed by Vitautas Landsbergis is winning parliamentary elections. It has already won over 29% of votes. Mr. Landsbergis told the press the policy of the party would be aimed at "forming a healthy society without discrimination and privileges". State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins admits the results of the election do not give any hope of an easier negotiation over the border problem. Mr. Landsbergis said yesterday Lithuania would "strengthen its relations with Baltic states including Latvia". Still, he suggested establishing the sea border with Latvia unilaterally. He believes that would allow reaching a compromise with Latvia. Neatkariga

Latvian State University Professor Aivars Stranga in an interview for

Latvian State University Professor Aivars Stranga in an interview for "SM" warns against "irrational" policy toward Russia. Such a policy would only harm Latvia's interests says the historian. The country should focus on the problems of Russian-speakers and naturalization. Mr. Stranga suggests Latvia should not press too much on NATO and the EU since it would not help the country in joining the organizations. On the contrary, Latvia's policy should be more reserved and pragmatic, says Mr. Stranga. SM