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 Review

 

The meeting of the leaders of the CSCE member countries will be held on December 5-6 in Budapest. According to "DIENA" the agenda may include the discussion of possible admission of new members to NATO. A meeting of ministers for foreign affairs of the Stability Pact countries will take place on December 6. Latvia's delegation to the CSCE meeting will be headed by President Ulmanis and Minister for Foreign Affairs Birkavs. The CSCE conference currently taking place in Budapest is laying the basis for the CSCE summit. Latvia is represented by Mr.Ivars Pundurs and Mr.Ilgvars Klava. Diena

On November 18 a ceremony of the establishment of the "People's Movement for Latvia" took place in Jelgava. The movement is headed by Mr.Joachim Zigerist, Mr.Odisejs Kostanda, and Mr.G.Lasmanis. According to Mr.Kostanda the movement has been joined already by 2,000 new members. He expects another 5,000 to 10,000 to join the movement next week. The bulk of the members is over 50 or under 20 years old. The program lays a special emphasis on the improvement of living standards and the development of agriculture. It also supports the idea of peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups. Still, declaration of the movement warns about "the enemies of Latvia" taking control of trade, banking, and science. The declaration also severely criticizes the LNNK, "Latvijas Cels", and the Farmers' Union.