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

President Ulmanis expressed his support to Prime Minister V.Kristopans. After the meeting with V.Kristopans, G.Ulmanis announced that did not have any reason to think that PM’s activities could be influenced by any economic groups. He also acknowledged that the dismissal of A.Slesers was a well thought over decision based on many serious arguments. President was sure about the stability of the government.

President Ulmanis expressed his support to Prime Minister V.Kristopans. After the meeting with V.Kristopans, G.Ulmanis announced that did not have any reason to think that PMs activities could be influenced by any economic groups. He also acknowledged that the dismissal of A.Slesers was a well thought over decision based on many serious arguments. President was sure about the stability of the government. Neatkariga, Diena

The Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats considers the adoption of the language law to be one of the major tasks of this Saeima. The party finds the adopted second reading of the draft to be satisfactorily. The main topic of discussions are HC Max van der Stoel’s recommendations. The opinion of TB/LNNK is the following - we should listen carefully to the recommendations of large international organisations, but our legislation is in our hands, and Latvia can not offend any foreign state or international organisation by not accepting their recommendations or accepting them partially. These recommendations have arisen in a different language environment, and in addition Mr.van der Stoel is notorious for his partial attitude towards small countries and nations.

The Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats considers the adoption of the language law to be one of the major tasks of this Saeima. The party finds the adopted second reading of the draft to be satisfactorily. The main topic of discussions are HC Max van der Stoels recommendations. The opinion of TB/LNNK is the following - we should listen carefully to the recommendations of large international organisations, but our legislation is in our hands, and Latvia can not offend any foreign state or international organisation by not accepting their recommendations or accepting them partially. These recommendations have arisen in a different language environment, and in addition Mr.van der Stoel is notorious for his partial attitude towards small countries and nations. Neatkariga

MFA Press Secretary T.Baumanis informed that there were no principal disagreement during the meeting of Latvian and Russian government experts on social welfare issues, and the agreement on social guarantees could be signed this year.

MFA Press Secretary T.Baumanis informed that there were no principal disagreement during the meeting of Latvian and Russian government experts on social welfare issues, and the agreement on social guarantees could be signed this year. Neatkariga

The TB/LNNK faction has submitted to the Saeima a proposal for amending the law On city council and parish council elections establishing a 5% barrier for parties to be elected. A PM Dz.Rasnacs explained that in the current law there was no barrier and this norm did not correspond to the principle of proportionality.

Neatkariga, Diena

Former politician M.Vulfsons has an opinion that Latvia needs a new national unity government that would defend the interests of people, but not just exist to survive.

Diena

German President R.Herzog is coming to Latvia on an official visit on May 19 - 21. Diena