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

A Consultative Council of Non-citizen Affairs will be established in Venspils within the framework of public integration project carried out by the City Council. It will deal with involving non-citizens in solving education, culture and welfare problems, establish a closer link between the municipality and resident non-citizens, as well as between citizens and non-citizens. It will also further the integration process.

A Consultative Council of Non-citizen Affairs will be established in Venspils within the framework of public integration project carried out by the City Council. It will deal with involving non-citizens in solving education, culture and welfare problems, establish a closer link between the municipality and resident non-citizens, as well as between citizens and non-citizens. It will also further the integration process. Neatkariga

During the LTV news broadcast Minister of Economics V.Makarovs named the possible candidates for the post of the Prime Minister in the Government fall. As a good, neutral candidate he named the President of Latvian Bank E.Repse, then O.Kehris, J.Naglis and A.Gorbunovs form Latvijas Cels. People’s Party candidate could be K.Greiskalns.

During the LTV news broadcast Minister of Economics V.Makarovs named the possible candidates for the post of the Prime Minister in the Government fall. As a good, neutral candidate he named the President of Latvian Bank E.Repse, then O.Kehris, J.Naglis and A.Gorbunovs form Latvijas Cels. Peoples Party candidate could be K.Greiskalns. Neatkariga

European Commission President R.Prodi and EU Commissioner G.Verheugen will visit Riga on Tuesday and Thursday to support Latvia on its way to EU. But there is little hope to hear any concrete promises. It is just a part of their regular visits to EU candidate states.

European Commission President R.Prodi and EU Commissioner G.Verheugen will visit Riga on Tuesday and Thursday to support Latvia on its way to EU. But there is little hope to hear any concrete promises. It is just a part of their regular visits to EU candidate states. Diena

Deputy Chairman of faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Urbanovics writes about the possibility for non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. The Union proposed amendments to the municipal elections law, but only the New Party agreed to discuss this question. J.Urbanovics states that the only argument against participation of non-citizens in these elections is the old age reason – distribution of power.

Deputy Chairman of faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Urbanovics writes about the possibility for non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. The Union proposed amendments to the municipal elections law, but only the New Party agreed to discuss this question. J.Urbanovics states that the only argument against participation of non-citizens in these elections is the old age reason – distribution of power. Diena

He also stated that the Union was ready to co-operate with all sensible powers at the Saeima to oust radicals from the Government.

He also stated that the Union was ready to co-operate with all sensible powers at the Saeima to oust radicals from the Government. Vesti Segodnya

The proposals to allow only party lists to participate in the municipality elections in municipalities with more than 5000 inhabitants, grant election rights also to non-citizens and extend the election day were submitted for final amendments of the election law.

The proposals to allow only party lists to participate in the municipality elections in municipalities with more than 5000 inhabitants, grant election rights also to non-citizens and extend the election day were submitted for final amendments of the election law. Diena

Latvian Minister of Economics V.Makarovs will meet his Russian colleague at a conference taking place on February 7 – 8. They will discuss the planned reducing of economic relations with Latvia, adopted by the Russian National Council in the second reading, as well as possibilities to make the work of intergovernmental commissions more active.

Latvian Minister of Economics V.Makarovs will meet his Russian colleague at a conference taking place on February 7 – 8. They will discuss the planned reducing of economic relations with Latvia, adopted by the Russian National Council in the second reading, as well as possibilities to make the work of intergovernmental commissions more active. Diena

The Board of Latvijas Cels announced on Friday that they did not support the rushy and immediate introduction of a tuition fee in higher education because the new model had not been elaborated in due time and discussed publicly. Latvijas Cels advises the ministers to take this into account when discussing the issue in the Government.

The Board of Latvijas Cels announced on Friday that they did not support the rushy and immediate introduction of a tuition fee in higher education because the new model had not been elaborated in due time and discussed publicly. Latvijas Cels advises the ministers to take this into account when discussing the issue in the Government. Diena

About 200 people gathered in Riga to establish a new national radical party – Latvia’s Future Party. In their speeches they called to limit the number of non-Latvians in state administration, compared the public integration program to forming the Soviet nations and opposed Latvia’s joining EU.

About 200 people gathered in Riga to establish a new national radical party – Latvias Future Party. In their speeches they called to limit the number of non-Latvians in state administration, compared the public integration program to forming the Soviet nations and opposed Latvias joining EU. Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

First time this year the Government granted 40 000 Ls for training of judges. The Judges’ Training Centre will have resources to ensure a systematic training for judges according to the EU standards.

First time this year the Government granted 40 000 Ls for training of judges. The Judges Training Centre will have resources to ensure a systematic training for judges according to the EU standards. Jauna Avize

A journalist of

A journalist of Panorama Latvii interviewed the advisor of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia N.Neilands after his return from Moscow where he had meetings with representatives of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Council Commission on Foreign Affairs. When asked about the draft law on imposing sanctions against Latvia, Mr.Neilands answered that it did not seem likely because now everything was under control of the Acting President V.Putin, but he as a pragmatic person, would be against it. Speaking about the future of Latvian – Russian relations, he said that Putin was interested in co-operation with the West, so Latvia could hope that Russia would start talks - first with Lithuania, then with Latvia. Panorama Latvii