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 time has come to activate relations between Latvia and Russia”, said I.Berzins after the meeting with Russia’s minister of FA I.Ivanov. The official goal of Latvia’s FA minister’s visit to Russia was to obtain information about situation in Chechnya, however, the first part of the meeting was devoted to discussions about the relations between the two countries. Latvia’s minister of FA passed the invitation of Latvia’s President V.Vike-Freiberga for Russia’s President to visit Latvia.

The time has come to activate relations between Latvia and Russia, said I.Berzins after the meeting with Russias minister of FA I.Ivanov. The official goal of Latvias FA ministers visit to Russia was to obtain information about situation in Chechnya, however, the first part of the meeting was devoted to discussions about the relations between the two countries. Latvias minister of FA passed the invitation of Latvias President V.Vike-Freiberga for Russias President to visit Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday when discussing Latvian Shipping Agency privatisation FF/LNNK had an open and harsh confrontation with People’s Party, FF/LNNK announced that “so called orange power gave enormous bribes to high state officials to ensure positive privatisation result for them. People’s Party chairman A.Skele voiced that “FF/LNNK has developed a scenario how to overthrow the Government”. Minister of Economy A.Kalvitis stated that the Government has never been so close to fall as it is now. FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinblats opposed these statements saying that People’s Party is trying to push out FF/LNNK from the Government and decrease FF/LNNK rating before the election.

Yesterday when discussing Latvian Shipping Agency privatisation FF/LNNK had an open and harsh confrontation with Peoples Party, FF/LNNK announced that so called orange power gave enormous bribes to high state officials to ensure positive privatisation result for them. Peoples Party chairman A.Skele voiced that FF/LNNK has developed a scenario how to overthrow the Government. Minister of Economy A.Kalvitis stated that the Government has never been so close to fall as it is now. FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinblats opposed these statements saying that Peoples Party is trying to push out FF/LNNK from the Government and decrease FF/LNNK rating before the election. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Social Democrats have proposed to enter amendments to the Law on Retirement, which would allow persons who are retired but still working receive their pensions in full amount. Social Democrats do not try to deny that it is related to the election.

Social Democrats have proposed to enter amendments to the Law on Retirement, which would allow persons who are retired but still working receive their pensions in full amount. Social Democrats do not try to deny that it is related to the election. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Candidates for municipal election, who do not have certificate confirming their language proficiency level, are given the opportunity to take the test at the examination commission established for this purpose. It is according Tuesday’s directive of justice minister I.Labucka. Till now 11 candidates took the examination and all of them have passed.

Candidates for municipal election, who do not have certificate confirming their language proficiency level, are given the opportunity to take the test at the examination commission established for this purpose. It is according Tuesdays directive of justice minister I.Labucka. Till now 11 candidates took the examination and all of them have passed. Diena, Chas

The amendments to Criminal Code which foreseen more serious punishment for members and supporters of antigovernment organisations have been passed from the Saeima for the revision at Saeima’s committees. Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia expressed their dissatisfaction with the amendments proposed by FF/LNNK. UFHRUL is also not satisfied with another draft proposed by FF/LNNK – on prohibition the usage and demonstration of Soviet symbols in public.

The amendments to Criminal Code which foreseen more serious punishment for members and supporters of antigovernment organisations have been passed from the Saeima for the revision at Saeimas committees. Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia expressed their dissatisfaction with the amendments proposed by FF/LNNK. UFHRUL is also not satisfied with another draft proposed by FF/LNNK – on prohibition the usage and demonstration of Soviet symbols in public. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Chas

re-publishes an interview with EC ambassador G.Veiss from Latvian newspaper re-publishes an interview with EC ambassador G.Veiss from Latvian newspaper “Neatkariga”.Neatkariga.

Today Russia’s ambassador to Latvia A.Udolcovs is visiting Daugavpils. He has scheduled meetings with the Mayor of Daugavpils, will visit Russian Culture Centre and Russia’s Consulate

Today Russias ambassador to Latvia A.Udolcovs is visiting Daugavpils. He has scheduled meetings with the Mayor of Daugavpils, will visit Russian Culture Centre and Russias Consulate. Respublika, Vesti Segodnja

Respublika

interviews the Director of Latvian Institute O.Kalnins about his and his institute investment in promoting a positive image of Latvia. interviews the Director of Latvian Institute O.Kalnins about his and his institute investment in promoting a positive image of Latvia.