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

At the regular council meeting of TB/LNNK its Chairman M.Grinblats announced a new tactics of the faction instead of the former trouble making one – not to look for the negative things so much but do good things and look for the positive. M.Grinblats also affirmed the wish of the faction let the Government of A.Berzins would operate until the next Saeima election. He also said that the system where right wing parties were direct or indirect representatives of oligarchs should be broken.

At the regular council meeting of TB/LNNK its Chairman M.Grinblats announced a new tactics of the faction instead of the former trouble making one – not to look for the negative things so much but do good things and look for the positive. M.Grinblats also affirmed the wish of the faction let the Government of A.Berzins would operate until the next Saeima election. He also said that the system where right wing parties were direct or indirect representatives of oligarchs should be broken. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Frequent visit of the major parties, represented at the Saeima to Daugavpils before the municipal election is the most evident reason for their wish to co-operate with Latgale region. Latvian Way has made the most progress – signed a protocol of intentions with Daugavpils City Party. Social Democrats intend to co-operate with the party Latgales Gaisma.

Frequent visit of the major parties, represented at the Saeima to Daugavpils before the municipal election is the most evident reason for their wish to co-operate with Latgale region. Latvian Way has made the most progress – signed a protocol of intentions with Daugavpils City Party. Social Democrats intend to co-operate with the party Latgales Gaisma. Diena

By 2025 the population number in Latvia will decrease for about 0.5 million and make 1.94 million. This forecast was made by the magazine

By 2025 the population number in Latvia will decrease for about 0.5 million and make 1.94 million. This forecast was made by the magazine The Economist publication Europe in Figures. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

For only three weeks will still be valid the eased border crossing procedure between Latvia and Russia. Latvian MFA is concerned that if by October 10 a new border crossing agreement were not concluded the frontier residents would have to get visas to go to the other country. MFA Consular Department Head A.Vanaga informed that the Ministry already in April 10 submitted a note to the Russian Embassy in Riga informing about denouncing of the temporary agreement and proposals on establishing a new border crossing procedure.

For only three weeks will still be valid the eased border crossing procedure between Latvia and Russia. Latvian MFA is concerned that if by October 10 a new border crossing agreement were not concluded the frontier residents would have to get visas to go to the other country. MFA Consular Department Head A.Vanaga informed that the Ministry already in April 10 submitted a note to the Russian Embassy in Riga informing about denouncing of the temporary agreement and proposals on establishing a new border crossing procedure. Neatkariga

Neatkariga

interviewed the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Answering to the question what was going on in the ruling coalition, I.Berzins said that the third government has problems to realise that cards had been already distributed people in the election had decided how many voiced would have A.Skele, Latvian Way, Social Democrats, etc. But the Minister hoped that the politicians would have enough common sense to see that this distribution could not be changed without a new election. Speaking about Latvian - Russian relations I.Berzins said that the priority of Latvia was to join EU and NATO and these to goals could be combined with establishing good relations with Russia. But these relations should be based on equality of both countries. There are two priorities in the relations with Russia – first is to develop the activities of the intergovernmental commission and the second – expanding the basis of bilateral agreements. interviewed the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Answering to the question what was going on in the ruling coalition, I.Berzins said that the third government has problems to realise that “cards had been already distributed” people in the election had decided how many voiced would have A.Skele, Latvian Way, Social Democrats, etc. But the Minister hoped that the politicians would have enough common sense to see that this “distribution” could not be changed without a new election. Speaking about Latvian - Russian relations I.Berzins said that the priority of Latvia was to join EU and NATO and these to goals could be combined with establishing good relations with Russia. But these relations should be based on equality of both countries. There are two priorities in the relations with Russia – first is to develop the activities of the intergovernmental commission and the second – expanding the basis of bilateral agreements.

Rigas Balss

writes about the scandal in the Saeima when the Deputy from the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia M.Mitrofanov led into the building of the Saeima two National Bolsheviks. The Deputy organised a press conference to defend Russian alternative musician J.Letov who was not allowed to come to Latvia as a persona non grata. Also Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov voiced his concern about this act of Latvian authorities. writes about the scandal in the Saeima when the Deputy from the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia M.Mitrofanov led into the building of the Saeima two National Bolsheviks. The Deputy organised a press conference to defend Russian alternative musician J.Letov who was not allowed to come to Latvia as a persona non grata. Also Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov voiced his concern about this act of Latvian authorities.