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

The

The Saeima is discussing the 1997 budget. Deputies interviewed by "DIENA" believe that the draft will pass its final reading. It is expected to be supported by the governing factions and by deputies supporting the Cabinet. The "Latvijas Cels" faction will have mandatory voting in favor of the draft budget objecting only to some points of the draft. Head of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" factionJanis Straume told the press that "TB" supported the draft budget. "Saimnieks" will also vote for the budget and will vote only against minor points. Yesterday the Saeima, while considering the 1997 budget, voted for a 100% increase of the President's salary (Ls 1,000 plus Ls 200 for representation). Diena, Neatkariga

The

The "Saimnieks" faction has finally nominated its candidate for Minister of Finance. The candidate is former State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy Sarmite Jegere. She held the position until November when "Saimnieks" recalled all its members from the posts of State Ministers. The duties of the Minister of Finance are currently performed by Prime-Minister Skele. Mr. Skele says that he will discuss the candidate with the Council on Co-operation between Factions. According to an agreement between the governing factions, the post is to be held by a "Saimnieks" member. Diena

Yesterday NATO set the date of talks on the admission of new members. Sixteen Ministers of Foreign Affairs of NATO countries agreed that the talks will be held in Madrid on July 8 and 9, 1997. The process of admission will take two years, to be completed not later than 1999. Among candidates having the strongest chances of joining NATO during the first stage of its enlargement are Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. US Secretary of State Christopher, while addressing the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, said that no nuclear weapons will be deployed on the territory of new NATO members.

Yesterday NATO set the date of talks on the admission of new members. Sixteen Ministers of Foreign Affairs of NATO countries agreed that the talks will be held in Madrid on July 8 and 9, 1997. The process of admission will take two years, to be completed not later than 1999. Among candidates having the strongest chances of joining NATO during the first stage of its enlargement are Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. US Secretary of State Christopher, while addressing the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, said that no nuclear weapons will be deployed on the territory of new NATO members. Diena, Neatkariga

Boris Tsilevich criticizes Latvian politicians for double standards. In his article for

Boris Tsilevich criticizes Latvian politicians for double standards. In his article for "SM" he stresses that "Latvijas Cels" fostered the naturalization quota principle to be included into the Citizenship Law. Now its faction leader Pantelejevs says that "LC" will try to persuade "Tevzemei un Brivibai" to "soften" the Law. Tsilevich considers this as tying to form a more "liberal" image before the upcoming municipal elections. He also mentions Kreituss who was an ardent supporter of "shock" therapy for the country's economics. After leaving "Saimnieks", Mr. Kreituss quite unexpectedly started to promote Socialist ideas and speaks about "forming a strong left-wing party". According to Tsilevich, "Saimnieks" member Tenis and Social-Democrat Adamsons during their visits to Daugavpils claimed that they had not voted for the amendments to the Law on Local Elections banning the Mayor of the city from running for another term. Both deputies said that their votes were misquoted in a print-out of the voting results. Tsilevich writes that double standards and hypocrisy have become the trade-mark of Latvian political life. Politicians are stirring fear of "the Russian bear" and using ethnic solidarity to gain votes during election campaigns, writes Tsilevich. SM