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

The Chairman of the

The Chairman of the Union of Latvian Social Democrats faction E.Baldzens, Prime Minister V.Kristopans, as well as representatives of New Party and TB/LNNK came to an agreement that Social Democrats had the right to conclude separate co-operation agreements with any of government forming parties. In the draft agreement between the ULSD and the government there is an article that in the case the ULSD demands a resignation of a Minister, it would be agreed with the Prime Minister. Neatkariga

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs did not make any comments on the statements made by an anonymous MFA official that the government should reconsider its welcoming policy towards Russia if it did not change its pressure policy towards Latvia. The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that he would not react to anonymous announcements. V.Birkavs also said that Latvia was ready for a dialogue with Russia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs did not make any comments on the statements made by an anonymous MFA official that the government should reconsider its welcoming policy towards Russia if it did not change its pressure policy towards Latvia. The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that he would not react to anonymous announcements. V.Birkavs also said that Latvia was ready for a dialogue with Russia. Neatkariga

To define a unique position on internal aspects, the State President, Saeima Speaker, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs have decided to prepare several working documents not for publishing. V.Birkavs acknowledged that although Latvia was realising a unique foreign policy, it was still necessary to give more clear signals for foreign countries. These four officials met on Friday on an invitation of the State President and discussed their positions an the four Saeima approved foreign policy priorities - integration in EU, NATO, establishing of good neighbour relations with Russia and regional co-operation. They came to a conclusion that their opinions agree on integration issues in general but differ on the speed and tactics, in its turn what concerns regional co-operation - most attention should be paid to elaborate a unique Baltic position. The longest discussions were on Russia.

To define a unique position on internal aspects, the State President, Saeima Speaker, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs have decided to prepare several working documents not for publishing. V.Birkavs acknowledged that although Latvia was realising a unique foreign policy, it was still necessary to give more clear signals for foreign countries. These four officials met on Friday on an invitation of the State President and discussed their positions an the four Saeima approved foreign policy priorities - integration in EU, NATO, establishing of good neighbour relations with Russia and regional co-operation. They came to a conclusion that their opinions agree on integration issues in general but differ on the speed and tactics, in its turn what concerns regional co-operation - most attention should be paid to elaborate a unique Baltic position. The longest discussions were on Russia. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Marshal of Polish Seim M.Plazynsky, while meeting with the representatives of Polish Community in Latvia, made a conclusion that it was important for Polish people, living here, to try to get Latvian citizenship and to be involved in political processes.

Marshal of Polish Seim M.Plazynsky, while meeting with the representatives of Polish Community in Latvia, made a conclusion that it was important for Polish people, living here, to try to get Latvian citizenship and to be involved in political processes. Diena

Several deputies of the Saeima faction

Several deputies of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia have signed a support letter for nominating the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel for the Nobel Peace Prise, but official state authorities do not express their opinion on it. Majority of politicians think that official Latvian institutions should remain neutral because there are contradictory opinions on the activities of the High Commissioner in Latvia and he has made more input for decreasing ethnic conflicts in hot spots but not for Latvia.