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

In response to the information about the new nominee for Prime Minister’s position released in mass media in yesterday’s press conference Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele told the press that he had no intention to step down. Head of Latvia’s Way parliament faction Kristiana Libane told Diena that this government is good for the party and she sees no reason for the current government to fall.

In response to the information about the new nominee for Prime Ministers position released in mass media in yesterdays press conference Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele told the press that he had no intention to step down. Head of Latvias Way parliament faction Kristiana Libane told Diena that this government is good for the party and she sees no reason for the current government to fall. Diena, Neatkariga

In yesterday’s meeting of the Saeima’s Commission on Human Rights to discuss the draft concept of the Society Integration Program. Head of the working group Eizenija Aldermane said if the most radical proposals raised by Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK are accepted several authors of the concept are stopping to work on the concept. The draft concept was criticised by the representatives of the left block for providing for “mild assimilation” and by TB/LNNK representative who called for decolonization instead of integration program.

In yesterdays meeting of the Saeimas Commission on Human Rights to discuss the draft concept of the Society Integration Program. Head of the working group Eizenija Aldermane said if the most radical proposals raised by Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK are accepted several authors of the concept are stopping to work on the concept. The draft concept was criticised by the representatives of the left block for providing for mild assimilation and by TB/LNNK representative who called for decolonization instead of integration program. Diena, Vesti

After the popularity rating of the government ministers Andris Skele is the second least popular after the Welfare Minister. His rating has continuously fallen over the last three months.

After the popularity rating of the government ministers Andris Skele is the second least popular after the Welfare Minister. His rating has continuously fallen over the last three months. Diena, Neatkariga

Yesterday roughly 500 school teachers rallied in front of the Cabinet Ministers asking for budget to be allotted to raise teachers’ salaries starting next year as promised before. Prime Minister came to meet them and promised if there is a surplus in budget the money will be directed for teachers’ salaries, nevertheless the teachers consider the steps made by the government insufficient and are ready to go on strike on November 16.

Yesterday roughly 500 school teachers rallied in front of the Cabinet Ministers asking for budget to be allotted to raise teachers salaries starting next year as promised before. Prime Minister came to meet them and promised if there is a surplus in budget the money will be directed for teachers salaries, nevertheless the teachers consider the steps made by the government insufficient and are ready to go on strike on November 16. Diena, Neatkariga, BB, Vesti

BB and

BB and Vesti inform about the answer provided by Mr. Max van der Stoel to the Latvian MP Juris Vidins who asked to take steps regarding Russias violence in Chechnya. The answer states that the issue described in Vidinsaddress was outside the High Commissioners mandate.