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.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

In a new development in the case of Tatyana Slivenko against Latvia before the European Court of Human Rights, Slivenko’s lawyer Vitaly Portnov has charged that Latvia has submitted falsified documents to the court. The accusation was seconded by Russia’s representative to the court Pavel Laptev, but denied by the Latvian representative before the court Kristine Malinovska. Russia has taken an active part in defending Slivenko, who is challenging her deportation from Latvia to Russia several years ago. Slivenko’s lawyer had an analysis of the allegedly falsified documents conducted by a special unit within the Russian Justice Ministry. Slivenko’s lawyer hopes that the court will have another analysis done and has also demanded that the case be tried openly, not in chamber. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf, Vesti segodnja

In a new development in the case of Tatyana Slivenko against Latvia before the European Court of Human Rights, Slivenkos lawyer Vitaly Portnov has charged that Latvia has submitted falsified documents to the court. The accusation was seconded by Russias representative to the court Pavel Laptev, but denied by the Latvian representative before the court Kristine Malinovska. Russia has taken an active part in defending Slivenko, who is challenging her deportation from Latvia to Russia several years ago. Slivenkos lawyer had an analysis of the allegedly falsified documents conducted by a special unit within the Russian Justice Ministry. Slivenkos lawyer hopes that the court will have another analysis done and has also demanded that the case be tried openly, not in chamber. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf, Vesti segodnja

Chas commentator Leonid Fedoseyev wonders why Latvian voters continue to vote for the same ruling parties that have created such severe social problems. He argues that the Latvian language media have created the image of the enemy in the “leftist” parties, particularly the “pro-Russian” and “pro-Moscow” FHRUL. He further asserts that the “consistent Russophobia of the ruling parties has pushed away even the most liberal Russians.” According to Fedoseyev, political parties have consolidated along ethnic lines and no real integration is taking place.

Chas commentator Leonid Fedoseyev wonders why Latvian voters continue to vote for the same ruling parties that have created such severe social problems. He argues that the Latvian language media have created the image of the enemy in the leftist parties, particularly the pro-Russian and pro-Moscow FHRUL. He further asserts that the consistent Russophobia of the ruling parties has pushed away even the most liberal Russians. According to Fedoseyev, political parties have consolidated along ethnic lines and no real integration is taking place.

Chasinterviews former US national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, who was in Riga over the weekend for the summit of NATO aspirant countries. Asked about the probable number of new NATO countries after the Prague summit, Brzezinski predicts “probably four, possibly five, but it cannot be excluded that there will be seven.” He argues that Russia now looks at expansion differently, that it is not very happy about it, but opposition is formal and Russia is ready for closer co-operation. He argues that the Baltic is now a zone of stability and that this is a consequence of approaching NATO.

Chasinterviews former US national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, who was in Riga over the weekend for the summit of NATO aspirant countries. Asked about the probable number of new NATO countries after the Prague summit, Brzezinski predicts probably four, possibly five, but it cannot be excluded that there will be seven. He argues that Russia now looks at expansion differently, that it is not very happy about it, but opposition is formal and Russia is ready for closer co-operation. He argues that the Baltic is now a zone of stability and that this is a consequence of approaching NATO.

Diena’s person of the day is Stephen Larrabee, director of the section of European security in the Rand Corporation, prominent American think tank. He states that Europe can’t be complete without the Baltic States and that their role in NATO has traditionally been underestimated. He admits that he wasn’t sure about the European identity of Latvia before he visited it. Larrabee stresses the importance of spending 2% of GDP on defence, continuing reforms and evaluating the past, including the Holocaust.

Dienas person of the day is Stephen Larrabee, director of the section of European security in the Rand Corporation, prominent American think tank. He states that Europe cant be complete without the Baltic States and that their role in NATO has traditionally been underestimated. He admits that he wasnt sure about the European identity of Latvia before he visited it. Larrabee stresses the importance of spending 2% of GDP on defence, continuing reforms and evaluating the past, including the Holocaust.