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

The leader of People’s Party A.Skele said that the intention of A.Berzins not to invite to his government former prime ministers had decreased People’s Party trust in him. Nevertheless A.Berzins does not intend to change his mind. On Wednesday the first discord arose between People’s Party and Latvijas Cels, and the tension could be even more increased by the fight for the post of the Minister of Communications. TB/LNNK, whom the “big partners” have allotted less influence in the Government according to the principle of proportionality, promised not to disturb the Government formation process by any announcements.

The leader of Peoples Party A.Skele said that the intention of A.Berzins not to invite to his government former prime ministers had decreased Peoples Party trust in him. Nevertheless A.Berzins does not intend to change his mind. On Wednesday the first discord arose between Peoples Party and Latvijas Cels, and the tension could be even more increased by the fight for the post of the Minister of Communications. TB/LNNK, whom the big partners have allotted less influence in the Government according to the principle of proportionality, promised not to disturb the Government formation process by any announcements. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize , Respublika, Panorama Latvii

According to unofficial information A.Berzins has promised to present the parties his model of the Government already this Friday. It means that he will propose his vision of distributing minister posts among Government forming factions.

According to unofficial information A.Berzins has promised to present the parties his model of the Government already this Friday. It means that he will propose his vision of distributing minister posts among Government forming factions. Neatkariga

Former red guerrilla man V.Kononv has decided to give up Latvian citizenship and decided to ask for Russian citizenship let after his sentencing, if it happens, he would be extradited to Russia and be released there. He told

Former red guerrilla man V.Kononv has decided to give up Latvian citizenship and decided to ask for Russian citizenship let after his sentencing, if it happens, he would be extradited to Russia and be released there. He told Diena that he planned to draw up all necessary documents to give up Latvian citizenship within one month. Lauku Avize ,

Russian speaking newspapers see it as a success of Russia.

Russian speaking newspapers see it as a success of Russia. Vesti Segodnya, Respublika

MFA Press Secretary L.Bergmane informed that from May 1 Byelorussia would withdraw from the CIS agreement on mutual recognition of visas. It means that all Latvian citizens and non-citizens, when crossing Byelorussia for going to some CIS state, would need to receive a Byelorussian transit visa.

MFA Press Secretary L.Bergmane informed that from May 1 Byelorussia would withdraw from the CIS agreement on mutual recognition of visas. It means that all Latvian citizens and non-citizens, when crossing Byelorussia for going to some CIS state, would need to receive a Byelorussian transit visa. Diena

Neatkariga

and Jauna Avize inform that this procedure refers to all CIS countries. Latvijas Cels representative A.Visockis expressed his readiness to become the Mayor or Riga City. He did it after discussions with LC deputies and former Mayor A.Berzins.

Latvijas Cels representative A.Visockis expressed his readiness to become the Mayor or Riga City. He did it after discussions with LC deputies and former Mayor A.Berzins. Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

Neatkariga

writes that according their information the present Deputy Mayor A.Argalis will have to become the Mayor of Riga. writes that according their information the present Deputy Mayor A.Argalis will have to become the Mayor of Riga. Latvia has 35 diplomatic representatives abroad. According to the development program of the diplomatic service, it is planned to increase this number up to 50 within 10 years.

Latvia has 35 diplomatic representatives abroad. According to the development program of the diplomatic service, it is planned to increase this number up to 50 within 10 years. Neatkariga

To broaden political experience of their deputies People’s Party considers a possibility to exchange the Chairman of People’s Party Saeima faction G.Berzins with some other deputy. This announcement was made by the party leader A.Skele. He said that there were many good candidates, e.g. V.Muizniece and J.Lagzdins. Speaking about G.Berzins’s political future, A.Skele said that he could be a parliamentary secretary or a minister.

To broaden political experience of their deputies Peoples Party considers a possibility to exchange the Chairman of Peoples Party Saeima faction G.Berzins with some other deputy. This announcement was made by the party leader A.Skele. He said that there were many good candidates, e.g. V.Muizniece and J.Lagzdins. Speaking about G.Berzinss political future, A.Skele said that he could be a parliamentary secretary or a minister. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

On April 19 – 20 seminar “Citizenship, naturalisation and integration” of the Commission on Migration Affairs of the Council of the Baltic States Ministers took place in Riga. Three working groups discussed questions of naturalisation and related issues, personal identification documents and non-citizens integration. It was organised by the DCMA in co-operation with IOM (International Migration Organisation).

On April 19 – 20 seminar Citizenship, naturalisation and integration of the Commission on Migration Affairs of the Council of the Baltic States Ministers took place in Riga. Three working groups discussed questions of naturalisation and related issues, personal identification documents and non-citizens integration. It was organised by the DCMA in co-operation with IOM (International Migration Organisation). Latvijas Vestnesis

The program of American NGO Freedom House has spent 600 000USD to further the integration process in Latvia. Most of this sum was received from USAID. During this year the number of naturalised non-citizens increased from 13 898 to 27 569. It means that for every new citizen they spent about 44 USD. E.Aldermane, Head of the Naturalisation Board, said that the Government was not very interested in the naturalisation process. The annual budget of the Naturalisation Board is 70 – 80 000 Ls. Last year 25 000 Ls were given additionally to get rid of with lines In Naturalisation Board officces, but his year the Board had to dismiss 15 employees.

The program of American NGO Freedom House has spent 600 000USD to further the integration process in Latvia. Most of this sum was received from USAID. During this year the number of naturalised non-citizens increased from 13 898 to 27 569. It means that for every new citizen they spent about 44 USD. E.Aldermane, Head of the Naturalisation Board, said that the Government was not very interested in the naturalisation process. The annual budget of the Naturalisation Board is 70 – 80 000 Ls. Last year 25 000 Ls were given additionally to get rid of with lines In Naturalisation Board officces, but his year the Board had to dismiss 15 employees. Vesti Segodnya, Jauna Avize , Respublika

Once more the Liberators Monument suffered from vandals. This time constructing materials and equipment were stolen. The thieves also looted the auxiliary rooms.

Once more the Liberators Monument suffered from vandals. This time constructing materials and equipment were stolen. The thieves also looted the auxiliary rooms. Vesti Segodnya

Russian newspaper Komersant Vlast interviewed the leader of the New Party R.Pauls. Pauls told the newspaper that if he were elected the President he would face a difficult situation. He stands for good relations with Russia and it would cause opposition from right wingers. Pauls thinks that Latvian – Russian relations are still influenced by the offence of those Latvians who suffered without guilt during Soviet time. But history should be left to historians.

Russian newspaper Komersant Vlast interviewed the leader of the New Party R.Pauls. Pauls told the newspaper that if he were elected the President he would face a difficult situation. He stands for good relations with Russia and it would cause opposition from right wingers. Pauls thinks that Latvian – Russian relations are still influenced by the offence of those Latvians who suffered without guilt during Soviet time. But history should be left to historians. Lauku Avize

J.Pliner, deputy from the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, writes that the education law that will take effect on June 1, 2000 limits the right of national minorities to receive education in their mother tongue. According to the new law in state and municipal education institutions tuition language is the state language. One can receive education in another language only in private schools, but not everybody can afford to attend such a school.

J.Pliner, deputy from the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, writes that the education law that will take effect on June 1, 2000 limits the right of national minorities to receive education in their mother tongue. According to the new law in state and municipal education institutions tuition language is the state language. One can receive education in another language only in private schools, but not everybody can afford to attend such a school. Chas