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

Parties supporting A.Berzins as the Prime Minister started on Wednesday to prepare governmental declaration and coalition agreement. The President promised to name the candidate next week, but she had already acknowledged that no surprises were to be expected.

Parties supporting A.Berzins as the Prime Minister started on Wednesday to prepare governmental declaration and coalition agreement. The President promised to name the candidate next week, but she had already acknowledged that no surprises were to be expected. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Rigas Balss, Lauku Avize, Respublika

LC Chairman A.Pantelejevs considers that there are only two options in this situation – either the President respects the opinion of the majority or goes for extraordinary election.

LC Chairman A.Pantelejevs considers that there are only two options in this situation – either the President respects the opinion of the majority or goes for extraordinary election. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize , Respublika, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Experts explained the behaviour of the President by responsibility in evaluation of the principles of the Government and as a wish to show the parties her power. None of the experts were surprised by the decision of V.V.Freiberga to continue consultations with the potential candidates.

Experts explained the behaviour of the President by responsibility in evaluation of the principles of the Government and as a wish to show the parties her power. None of the experts were surprised by the decision of V.V.Freiberga to continue consultations with the potential candidates. Diena

Russian Ambassador to Latvia confirmed publicly that V.Kononov had requested Russian citizenship therefore according to law he should be deprived of Latvian citizenship.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia confirmed publicly that V.Kononov had requested Russian citizenship therefore according to law he should be deprived of Latvian citizenship. Diena

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins received a letter from Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Michel where he expressed his positive evaluation Latvian progress in improvement of the situation with national minorities. It is stated in the letter that progress was made in close co-operation with OSCE. According to previous information, I.Berzins sent letters to ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OSCE states pointing out that Russia had started a campaign of deceptive information.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins received a letter from Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Michel where he expressed his positive evaluation Latvian progress in improvement of the situation with national minorities. It is stated in the letter that progress was made in close co-operation with OSCE. According to previous information, I.Berzins sent letters to ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OSCE states pointing out that Russia had started a campaign of deceptive information. Diena

President V.V.Freiberga will visit Estonia on May 1 – 3. There are planned a meeting with Estonian President Meri and a meeting of parliamentarian delegations.

President V.V.Freiberga will visit Estonia on May 1 – 3. There are planned a meeting with Estonian President Meri and a meeting of parliamentarian delegations. Lauku Avize , Respublika

Faction For Human Rights in United Latvia members J.Jurkans and M.Berkasov told

Panorama Latvii about their meeting with the President of Latvia. Explaining their understanding of the situation in the state both men as the most serious problem in this country pointed out the attempt to revise history. It caused establishing of two- community society in Latvia. They also spoke about the necessity to abolish a number of completely foolish, contradictory to common sense and international standards laws e.g. restriction of election rights for non-citizens, stateless persons and foreigners who during USSR times served for security services. Speaking about the possible reaction of the President both men agreed that there is little hope for some radical changes in the current situation.