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

Press Report

Minister of Economics A.Makarovs fulfilled his promise and deprived the Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis of his right to sign official documents basing it on expiration of Naglis’s authority time.

Minister of Economics A.Makarovs fulfilled his promise and deprived the Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis of his right to sign official documents basing it on expiration of Nagliss authority time. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Russian National Duma did not adopt the draft law on sanctions against Latvia and sent the documents for reconsideration in the second reading. But it circulated an announcement where it condemned Latvian policy concerning Russian speakers.

Russian National Duma did not adopt the draft law on sanctions against Latvia and sent the documents for reconsideration in the second reading. But it circulated an announcement where it condemned Latvian policy concerning Russian speakers. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Respublika

During the regular meeting of Latvian President and Prime Minister, the officials discussed the proposal of People’s Party to annul the mandate of the Deputy J.Adamsons. So far none of the Saeima factions expressed their support to this initiative of People’s Party. After the meeting A.Skele was sure that the mandate should be annulled.

During the regular meeting of Latvian President and Prime Minister, the officials discussed the proposal of Peoples Party to annul the mandate of the Deputy J.Adamsons. So far none of the Saeima factions expressed their support to this initiative of Peoples Party. After the meeting A.Skele was sure that the mandate should be annulled. Neatkariga, Diena, Respublika

Latvijas Cels will ask Prime Minister A.Skele to explain the bill of exchange worth of 29 million he received recently. Also the leaders of TB/LNNK pointed out for several times the great uncertainty in this matter.

Latvijas Cels will ask Prime Minister A.Skele to explain the bill of exchange worth of 29 million he received recently. Also the leaders of TB/LNNK pointed out for several times the great uncertainty in this matter. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize

J.Zvirgzdgraudis in Neatkariga writes about the education system in Latvia stating that current system is characterised by formal approach, lack of efficiency and the most important thing – lack of respect of persons educated. The most catastrophic situation is with teaching of foreign languages.

J.Zvirgzdgraudis in Neatkariga writes about the education system in Latvia stating that current system is characterised by formal approach, lack of efficiency and the most important thing – lack of respect of persons educated. The most catastrophic situation is with teaching of foreign languages. Neatkariga

Political scientist I.Ostrovska, analysing the situation in Latvia, writes that the country is ruled by oligarchs, who make decisions in their small circle, and the Government coalitions vote as they are being told by these people. She also speaks about Prime Minister A.Skele and states that the previous charismatic leader of People’s Party is gone, and he has lost part of his team that helped him to come to power. The only solution for Latvia, according to I.Ostrovska, is to organise an extraordinary election.

Political scientist I.Ostrovska, analysing the situation in Latvia, writes that the country is ruled by oligarchs, who make decisions in their small circle, and the Government coalitions vote as they are being told by these people. She also speaks about Prime Minister A.Skele and states that the previous charismatic leader of Peoples Party is gone, and he has lost part of his team that helped him to come to power. The only solution for Latvia, according to I.Ostrovska, is to organise an extraordinary election. Neatkariga

Left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia will start a campaign to collect signatures to propose a referendum on granting municipal election right to non-citizens. They also plan to call international organisations to make pressure on Latvia. The Union foresees that on Thursday the Saeima will reject their proposed amendments to the election law, therefore the faction plans to start active political campaign outside the Saeima. Already 25 political organisations and 8200 residents of Latvia have signed a call addressed to UN, CoE and other international organisations to influence Latvia let it allow non-citizens, who have been living in Latvia for at least five years, to participate in municipal elections.

Left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia will start a campaign to collect signatures to propose a referendum on granting municipal election right to non-citizens. They also plan to call international organisations to make pressure on Latvia. The Union foresees that on Thursday the Saeima will reject their proposed amendments to the election law, therefore the faction plans to start active political campaign outside the Saeima. Already 25 political organisations and 8200 residents of Latvia have signed a call addressed to UN, CoE and other international organisations to influence Latvia let it allow non-citizens, who have been living in Latvia for at least five years, to participate in municipal elections. Diena, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya,Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the Riga City Council Social Democrats faction officially announced about their union with TB/LNNK. At the same time they hinted that the Mayor A.Berzins should better leave his post voluntarily.

Yesterday the Riga City Council Social Democrats faction officially announced about their union with TB/LNNK. At the same time they hinted that the Mayor A.Berzins should better leave his post voluntarily. Chas

Last week every member of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia received a “greeting” from Jelgava organisation “Club 415”, supporters of the TB/LNNK ideology, a card depicting Great Russia fascist as a swine, with a demand of no rights for colonists of Latvia. The deputies do not intend to go to police.

Last week every member of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia received a greeting from Jelgava organisation Club 415, supporters of the TB/LNNK ideology, a card depicting Great Russia fascist as a swine, with a demand of no rights for colonists of Latvia. The deputies do not intend to go to police. Chas

L.Fedoseyev in Chas writes that Russian speakers in Latvia are used to the situation that the ruling politicians just do not notice them, only on the occasions when they need “an occupant”. Therefore he was taken by surprise by the proposal of Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss to use Latvian Russian speakers to prove Russia that everything in Latvia was OK. He sees this situation as barter. The establishment notices Latvian Russians, but they in their turn have to say that they do not need any protection from the East.

L.Fedoseyev in Chas writes that Russian speakers in Latvia are used to the situation that the ruling politicians just do not notice them, only on the occasions when they need an occupant. Therefore he was taken by surprise by the proposal of Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss to use Latvian Russian speakers to prove Russia that everything in Latvia was OK. He sees this situation as barter. The establishment notices Latvian Russians, but they in their turn have to say that they do not need any protection from the East. Chas

Ten deputies have been included in the Russian National Duma group for co-operation with Latvian Saeima.

Ten deputies have been included in the Russian National Duma group for co-operation with Latvian Saeima. Lauku Avize names all these deputies. On April 13 the co-ordinator will be elected, and the group will officially start its activities. Lauku Avize