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

At the meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of 5 Scandinavian and 3 Baltic states the High Officer of EU F.Solana expressed his opinion that 3 Baltic States could be the members of EU and NATO very soon. In the future this meeting will not be named 3+5, but the meeting of 8 and that is considered a good sign.

At the meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of 5 Scandinavian and 3 Baltic states the High Officer of EU F.Solana expressed his opinion that 3 Baltic States could be the members of EU and NATO very soon. In the future this meeting will not be named 3+5, but the meeting of 8 and that is considered a good sign. Diena

Saeima’s chairman J.Straume in place of amendments to the Law on Power Industry adopted by Saeima signed alternative amendments. In opposition to the correct amendments alternative amendments did not prohibit the possibility that some objects of “Latvenergo” could be privatised. The incorrect amendments were published in the official newspaper “Latvijas Vestnesis”. Saeima’s secretary says that this mistake cannot and will not do any harm, as the amendments adopted by Saeima are effective.

Saeimas chairman J.Straume in place of amendments to the Law on Power Industry adopted by Saeima signed alternative amendments. In opposition to the correct amendments alternative amendments did not prohibit the possibility that some objects of Latvenergo could be privatised. The incorrect amendments were published in the official newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis. Saeimas secretary says that this mistake cannot and will not do any harm, as the amendments adopted by Saeima are effective. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Chas

The Constitutional Court (CC) turned down the application of the left wing to recognise as not effective prohibition, not allowing persons, who have worked for organisations which were illegitimate after 13 January, 1991 (Communist Party, Interfronte, KGB), to run for Saeima’s and municipal elections. The left wing considers the prohibition to be in opposition with the international norms and because of that the elections in Latvia cannot be considered free. However, the CC advises legislators to examine periodically the necessity and term of this limitation. Left wing representative A.Bartasevics says that they are considering to turn to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Constitutional Court (CC) turned down the application of the left wing to recognise as not effective prohibition, not allowing persons, who have worked for organisations which were illegitimate after 13 January, 1991 (Communist Party, Interfronte, KGB), to run for Saeimas and municipal elections. The left wing considers the prohibition to be in opposition with the international norms and because of that the elections in Latvia cannot be considered free. However, the CC advises legislators to examine periodically the necessity and term of this limitation. Left wing representative A.Bartasevics says that they are considering to turn to the European Court of Human Rights. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas, Novosti Latvii

The New Party and Latvia’s Way have agreed to sign the intention protocol on closer co-operation in Saeima and in municipal elections.

The New Party and Latvias Way have agreed to sign the intention protocol on closer co-operation in Saeima and in municipal elections. Diena. Neatkariga

In yesterday’s press conference Freedom Party General Secretary Peter Zihrovsky said that Latvia has problems with the observance of human rights and that could make Latvia’s accession to EU more difficult. He came to this conclusion after learning the case of ex-banker A.Lavent who has spent 5 years in the jail without a sentence.

In yesterdays press conference Freedom Party General Secretary Peter Zihrovsky said that Latvia has problems with the observance of human rights and that could make Latvias accession to EU more difficult. He came to this conclusion after learning the case of ex-banker A.Lavent who has spent 5 years in the jail without a sentence. Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Novosti Latvii

The Prime Minister A.Berzins will take 2 days off because of serious health problems

The Prime Minister A.Berzins will take 2 days off because of serious health problems. Diena, Chas