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

The Union of Christian Democrats asked Prime-Minister Skele to attend in the party meeting to be held November 23. The subject of the discussion is the future participation of the party in the Cabinet. The issue was raised by the Kurzeme District Chapter of the Christian Democrats. Many UCD members, especially in provincial areas, are dissatisfied with the current policy of the Government aimed at cutting down the authority of self-governments. The party is represented in the Government by one State Minister.

The Union of Christian Democrats asked Prime-Minister Skele to attend in the party meeting to be held November 23. The subject of the discussion is the future participation of the party in the Cabinet. The issue was raised by the Kurzeme District Chapter of the Christian Democrats. Many UCD members, especially in provincial areas, are dissatisfied with the current policy of the Government aimed at cutting down the authority of self-governments. The party is represented in the Government by one State Minister. Diena

The Kreituses have chosen not to join the Social-Democratic Workers' Party after its congress decided to merge with Bojars' Social-Democratic Party. Ilga and Aivars Kreituss are planning to establish “the Labor Party” already this year. Mr. Kreituss told

The Kreituses have chosen not to join the Social-Democratic Workers' Party after its congress decided to merge with Bojars' Social-Democratic Party. Ilga and Aivars Kreituss are planning to establish the Labor Party already this year. Mr. Kreituss told "DIENA" he would not join the party that chose to unite forces with Bojars' "National-Communists".

Head of the Police Department Aldis Lielukis told

Head of the Police Department Aldis Lielukis told "DIENA" thata bulletin prepared by the Human Rights Office and circulated by the Soros Foundation was "inaccurate". According to Lielukis, the bulletin on the rights of an individual detained by the police ignores important details of applicable laws, thus misinforming Latvia's inhabitants. Mr. Putnis of the Human Rights Office Information Department says that the idea of the bulletin was to inform the country's inhabitants of the most general legislative norms without focusing on small details and special provisions. Diena

President Ulmanis was expected to decide on approving the Conscription Law today. According to today's (11 November) radio broadcasts, the President suggested revising the Law.

President Ulmanis was expected to decide on approving the Conscription Law today. According to today's (11 November) radio broadcasts, the President suggested revising the Law. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele believes that the border agreement with Russia should be a purely "technical" document without any emphasis laid on the political aspects of relations between the two countries. The Prime-Minister suggests to discuss changing the mandate of the Latvian delegation with political parties and the President. Currently, the mandate includes negotiations over compensations to former Abrene inhabitants and the recognition of the Riga 1920 Peace Treaty by the Russian side.

Prime-Minister Skele believes that the border agreement with Russia should be a purely "technical" document without any emphasis laid on the political aspects of relations between the two countries. The Prime-Minister suggests to discuss changing the mandate of the Latvian delegation with political parties and the President. Currently, the mandate includes negotiations over compensations to former Abrene inhabitants and the recognition of the Riga 1920 Peace Treaty by the Russian side. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" is not likely to support such changes. As for the LNNK, its reaction is hard to predict. Minister for the European Union Affairs Kirsteins (LNNK) agrees to changing the mandate and suggests splitting the agreement into two parts. One part of the document would define the state border as agreed by both parties. Another part would specify an administrative border (Latvia's border with its former territory) leaving the border issue open for future negotiations. President Ulmanis believes the settling of the border problem to be of a vital importance for Latvia. He says that the issue should be thoroughly considered by the Saeima and suggests launching a nation-wide discussion on the problem. Mr. Ulmanis admits that "the Estonians have left Latvia behind in their search for an acceptable solution" to a similar problem. Diena

"Saimnieks"

Chairman Cevers in an interview for Chairman Cevers in an interview for "SM""SM" says that Skele's budget policy and the Prime-Minister's unwillingness to listen to different opinions forced him to resign. says that Skele's budget policy and the Prime-Minister's unwillingness to listen to different opinions forced him to resign. "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" will not agree to compromising the interests of the poor, says Cevers. He also objects against the economic policy practiced by Skele and will not agree to compromising the interests of the poor, says Cevers. He also objects against the economic policy practiced by Skele and "Latvijas Cels""Latvijas Cels" that leads to foreign capital predominating in Latvia's economics. Skele supports reducing the staff of Government institutions. that leads to foreign capital predominating in Latvia's economics. Skele supports reducing the staff of Government institutions. "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" has enough influence to afford losing several posts in the Cabinet, explains Cevers. Cevers does not mention the possibility of the party leaving the Government. Ziedonis Cevers told has enough influence to afford losing several posts in the Cabinet, explains Cevers. Cevers does not mention the possibility of the party leaving the Government. Ziedonis Cevers told "DIENA""DIENA" that "Saimnieks" would not benefit from leaving the Cabinet. Being among the governing parties gives that "Saimnieks" would not benefit from leaving the Cabinet. Being among the governing parties gives "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" better opportunities to implement its policies, says Cevers. better opportunities to implement its policies, says Cevers. SM, DienaSM, Diena