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 Review

Press Review

"DIENA"

quotes several Saeima deputies who believe quotes several Saeima deputies who believe "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" might leave the Cabinet. Among possible reasons for the decision are different approaches to the national budget and canceling of the Deputy Prime-Minister's office by the Prime-Minister. Last Saturday the might leave the Cabinet. Among possible reasons for the decision are different approaches to the national budget and canceling of the Deputy Prime-Minister's office by the Prime-Minister. Last Saturday the "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" Party Council decided to participate actively in drafting the budget. Party Council decided to participate actively in drafting the budget. "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" does not exclude the possibility of voting against the budget, should its recommendations be ignored. Such vote could result in does not exclude the possibility of voting against the budget, should its recommendations be ignored. Such vote could result in "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" leaving the Cabinet, since the Prime-Minister has the right to reorganize the Cabinet in case one of the parties opposes the laws drafted by the Government. Prime-Minister Skele suggested postponing all discussions on possible reorganization until the adoption of the budget. Chairman of the leaving the Cabinet, since the Prime-Minister has the right to reorganize the Cabinet in case one of the parties opposes the laws drafted by the Government. Prime-Minister Skele suggested postponing all discussions on possible reorganization until the adoption of the budget. Chairman of the "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" faction Cevers insists on Mr. Skele informing the governing factions of all suggested changes this Thursday. He explains that the current atmosphere of uncertainty could harm the work on the budget. The situation is also complicated by the absence of a candidate for the post of Minister of Finance. Mr. Igors Graurs is considered as the most probable candidate, while some believe faction Cevers insists on Mr. Skele informing the governing factions of all suggested changes this Thursday. He explains that the current atmosphere of uncertainty could harm the work on the budget. The situation is also complicated by the absence of a candidate for the post of Minister of Finance. Mr. Igors Graurs is considered as the most probable candidate, while some believe "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" will suggest a candidate who has not been mentioned before. Deputy Chairman of the will suggest a candidate who has not been mentioned before. Deputy Chairman of the "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" Faction Juris Celmins says Skele's cabinet cannot afford ignoring the party's opinion. "Skele's Government without Faction Juris Celmins says Skele's cabinet cannot afford ignoring the party's opinion. "Skele's Government without "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" would be a step closer to the Premiers resignation," says Celmins. Meanwhile, the would be a step closer to the Premier’s resignation," says Celmins. Meanwhile, the SaeimaSaeima deputies are unofficially discussing possible models of a new Cabinet. Anatolijs Gorbunovs of deputies are unofficially discussing possible models of a new Cabinet. Anatolijs Gorbunovs of "Latvijas Cels" "Latvijas Cels" is named as a possible candidate for Prime-Minister. is named as a possible candidate for Prime-Minister. DienaDiena Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima reviewed the Conscription Law. The final reading of the law adopted yesterday applies to males aged between nineteen and twenty-seven. Relieved from the military service are individuals having at least two children of a pre-school age or a child under three years of age. University and secondary school students will not be drafted. The Law does not provide for drafting university graduates holding Master's degree, while the Saeima still has to decide on the graduates with Bachelor's degree. Citizens, both male and female, can volunteer for the Army upon reaching the age of eighteen. The term of the service is set as twelve months. Individuals having completed their service are entitled to social benefits. Diena, Neatkariga

"Latvijas Cels" has drafted amendments to the law on self-Governments. According to the amendments, regional self-governments will be replaced by regional councils constituted by Chairs of Parish Councils and City Councils. Currently, members of regional self-governments are to be elected by citizens residing in a corresponding area. The Cabinet supports the amendments. Diena

Minister of Interior Turlais in an article for

Minister of Interior Turlais in an article for "DIENA" gives the highlights of prison reform in Latvia. The reform is aimed at improving living conditions and providing prisoners with opportunities to study and work. Latvia's prisons will receive a higher degree of economic freedom. Mr. Turlais also mentions financial assistance received from Nordic Countries. Diena

Head of the CID Immigration Division Signe Poritere expressed concern about the large number of retired Russian servicemen residing in Latvia with forged documents. She also believes that the Ministry of the Interior is not taking the problem seriously. According to Mrs. Poritere, 902 former servicemen received passports on the basis of forged documents. 2,400 families received a US-sponsored aid to move out of Latvia. Still, some of the families are not using the aid and are still staying in the country. The US Embassy will be informed of the cases when the aid was not used for its direct purpose.

Head of the CID Immigration Division Signe Poritere expressed concern about the large number of retired Russian servicemen residing in Latvia with forged documents. She also believes that the Ministry of the Interior is not taking the problem seriously. According to Mrs. Poritere, 902 former servicemen received passports on the basis of forged documents. 2,400 families received a US-sponsored aid to move out of Latvia. Still, some of the families are not using the aid and are still staying in the country. The US Embassy will be informed of the cases when the aid was not used for its direct purpose. Diena

Mrs. Tatjana Zhdanok of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in a survey of the human rights situation, published monthly by

Mrs. Tatjana Zhdanok of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in a survey of the human rights situation, published monthly by "SM", points at the upcoming "second registration" of inhabitants. Currently, the CID is thoroughly revising the documents of citizens applying for new passports. CID Deputy-Director Leins has already informed potential applicants for non-citizen passports about required documents. All non-citizens will have to prove their right to a non-citizen passport. The Human Rights Committee will address the Minister of the Interior on the issue, stressing that the requirement contradicts Latvian legislation. SM