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

On Monday, August 8, the LNNK and Mr.Andrejs Krastins continued consultations with the Saeima fractions. Options suggested to the fractions differ. "Latvijas Cels" put forward requirements for the forming of the "LC"/LNNK government. The requirements include the continuation of current foreign policies, inadmissability of any amendments to citizenship law, ratification of the agreements with Russia, agreement between the two fractions on the alien law. Coalition between the two fractions can be possible only on the basis of an agreement between the two fractions. On Sunday LNNK without any prior consultations with its fraction suggested the "LC" representatives to form a government on the basis of an agreement. Several posts were offered to "LC" including the ministers of foreign affairs, interior, defence, finance, justice,and, probably, agriculture. The LNNK leader Lambergs refused to confirm that fact. LNNK adopted one of the possible cabinets on Yesterday and schedules to finally approve all the candidatures tomorrow to be submitted to the Saeima on Thursday. The fraction still does not reveal the names of the candidates to the press and to other fractions. Still, it is said that "LC" was the only fraction that LNNK revealed the names of the "first variant of the cabinet" that is supposed to be formed by LNNK, the Union of National Forces and the Farmers. The LNNK cabinet has been supported by the Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Ravnopraviye". "Ravnopraviye" deputy Mr.Fedorov in his interview for "PANORAMA LATVII" stressed that the fraction supported mainly economical aspect of the LNNK policies. He expressed opinion that the existing cabinet should be given an opportunity to complete the implementation of its program. Political Union of Economists and the Democratic Party will support the LNNK government in case it fulfills their requirements.

On Monday, August 8, the LNNK and Mr.Andrejs Krastins continued consultations with the Saeima fractions. Options suggested to the fractions differ. "Latvijas Cels" put forward requirements for the forming of the "LC"/LNNK government. The requirements include the continuation of current foreign policies, inadmissability of any amendments to citizenship law, ratification of the agreements with Russia, agreement between the two fractions on the alien law. Coalition between the two fractions can be possible only on the basis of an agreement between the two fractions. On Sunday LNNK without any prior consultations with its fraction suggested the "LC" representatives to form a government on the basis of an agreement. Several posts were offered to "LC" including the ministers of foreign affairs, interior, defence, finance, justice,and, probably, agriculture. The LNNK leader Lambergs refused to confirm that fact. LNNK adopted one of the possible cabinets on Yesterday and schedules to finally approve all the candidatures tomorrow to be submitted to the Saeima on Thursday. The fraction still does not reveal the names of the candidates to the press and to other fractions. Still, it is said that "LC" was the only fraction that LNNK revealed the names of the "first variant of the cabinet" that is supposed to be formed by LNNK, the Union of National Forces and the Farmers. The LNNK cabinet has been supported by the Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Ravnopraviye". "Ravnopraviye" deputy Mr.Fedorov in his interview for "PANORAMA LATVII" stressed that the fraction supported mainly economical aspect of the LNNK policies. He expressed opinion that the existing cabinet should be given an opportunity to complete the implementation of its program. Political Union of Economists and the Democratic Party will support the LNNK government in case it fulfills their requirements. Diena, Neatkariga, SM Segodnya

According to LNNK spokesmen names of several candidates for the government posts were found in the "KGB files". Those persons will not be included in any of the possible cabinets.

According to LNNK spokesmen names of several candidates for the government posts were found in the "KGB files". Those persons will not be included in any of the possible cabinets. Diena

Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Kirsteins pointed out in his interview for "LABRIT" that since there was a clause in the agreements saying that social guarantees would be also provided to persons who have not been issued with all required documents that could be understood in various ways. That means that a further investigation of almost 500 cases of "forged" documents discovered by the CID is needed.

Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Kirsteins pointed out in his interview for "LABRIT" that since there was a clause in the agreements saying that social guarantees would be also provided to persons who have not been issued with all required documents that could be understood in various ways. That means that a further investigation of almost 500 cases of "forged" documents discovered by the CID is needed. Labrit

Prime-Minister Birkavs during his meeting with the press said that the statement by President Yeltsin "was not unexpected". He also said that the issue of the ratification of agreements with Russia will be considered during one of the next sessions of the Saeima.

Prime-Minister Birkavs during his meeting with the press said that the statement by President Yeltsin "was not unexpected". He also said that the issue of the ratification of agreements with Russia will be considered during one of the next sessions of the Saeima. SM Segodnya