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

Tactless and ironic statements allegedly made by Prime-Minister Skele during his interview for Lithuanian newspaper

Tactless and ironic statements allegedly made by Prime-Minister Skele during his interview for Lithuanian newspaper "VERSLO ZINIAS" may become a reason for Lithuanian President Brazauskas canceling his visit to Latvia. According to a high-ranking official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry is currently considering the possibility of Brazauskas' participation in the meeting of Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian Presidents. The Press-Secretary of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that the Ministry had no reasons to doubt the authenticity of the interview. A "VERSLO ZINAS" journalist claims that she has recorded Skele's interview. A statement by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Mr. Skele has not made any tactless comments in his interview for the Lithuanian newspaper, while the Prime-Minister's Assistant for Foreign Affairs Groza said that Skele had never been interviewed by "VERSLO ZINIAS". Diena, SM

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs supported Mr. Janis Jurkans' ("People's Harmony") suggestion to discuss the possibility of dismissing the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Several Saeima deputies (Gundars Valdmanis of the "Unity", Leopolds Ozolins of "Tevzemei un Brivibai", Janina Kusnere of "Latvijai", and independent deputies Ilga Kreituse and Andris Rubins) spoke in favor of the proposal. Janis Jurkans criticizes Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs for an "unbalanced" foreign policy and poor organization of the work of the Ministry. Mr. Birkavs told the press the decision made by the Committee was dictated by "the wish of certain political forces to undermine the stability of the Government". He accused Jurkans of trying to "pave a way for himself to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Prime-Minister Skele admits that there are certain flaws in Latvia's foreign policy, namely lack of progress in the country's relations with Russia. Still, the Prime-Minister's assessment of Mr. Birkavs efforts as a Minister of Foreign Affairs is positive. Diena, Neatkariga

Today the

Today the Saeima is considering the last reading of the draft law on land privatization in rural areas. The discussion is sure to be a heated one since the Farmers and the Christian Democrats insist on postponing the adoption of the law believing that the law will provide an opportunity for uncontrolled sales of land and woods to foreigners. "Tevzemei and Brivibai" shares their concern. If "TB" joins the Farmers and the Christian Democrats and votes against the adoption of the law, it may not pass its final reading. Neatkariga