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

Although there are observed some positive changes in the natural increase of the number of population, according to the data of the Central Statistics Board the total number of Latvian residents in 2000 decreased for 13.8 000 or 0.6%. Natural decrease constituted 12 000 people and 1800 people migrated from Latvia. At the beginning of this year the population number was 2 366 000.

Although there are observed some positive changes in the natural increase of the number of population, according to the data of the Central Statistics Board the total number of Latvian residents in 2000 decreased for 13.8 000 or 0.6%. Natural decrease constituted 12 000 people and 1800 people migrated from Latvia. At the beginning of this year the population number was 2 366 000. Diena

Diena

published the results of an opinion poll, organized by company SKD in order to find out what political parties were the most popular in Latvia. Respondents were asked to answer the question What party would you vote for if the Saeima took place tomorrow? Social Democrats run first – 18,85 (December 2000 – 17.8%), second were FF/LNNK 11% (13.3%), third - Latvian Way – 10.8% (11.6%). published the results of an opinion poll, organized by company SKD in order to find out what political parties were the most popular in Latvia. Respondents were asked to answer the question “What party would you vote for if the Saeima took place tomorrow?” Social Democrats run first – 18,85 (December 2000 – 17.8%), second were FF/LNNK 11% (13.3%), third - Latvian Way – 10.8% (11.6%). During a meeting the highest state officials and Minister of Foreign Affairs harmonized their opinions on vital foreign policy aspects, paying special attention to relations with Russia. After this meeting President V.Vike-Freiberga said that they wished pragmatic and mutually friendly relations with Russia.

During a meeting the highest state officials and Minister of Foreign Affairs harmonized their opinions on vital foreign policy aspects, paying special attention to relations with Russia. After this meeting President V.Vike-Freiberga said that they wished pragmatic and mutually friendly relations with Russia. Neatkariga

V.Vike-Freiberga told journalists that she expected to meet Russian President V.Putin, Latvian party was just waiting for a signal from Moscow.

V.Vike-Freiberga told journalists that she expected to meet Russian President V.Putin, Latvian party was just waiting for a signal from Moscow. Vesti Segodnya

CoE stopped monitoring of Latvia that was meant to protect the rights of non-Latvians here. At the same time the international community pointed out the Latvia had not so far ratifies the Framework Convention on National minorities although the Cabinet of Ministers already in 1995 promised that the Saeima would adopt it. Several months ago the ac For Human Rights in United Latvia submitted for consideration at the Saeima a draft law on ratifying this convention but all other factions rejected it immediately even without discussing it. Saeima Human Rights and Social Affairs Commission Head A.Seiksts thinks that the ratification of this convention could do any harm to Latvia. It would just gain. He thinks that Latvia should ratify it in the nearest future but with at least one subterfuge – stating that Latvia temporarily might not implement Part 2 of Article 10.

CoE stopped monitoring of Latvia that was meant to protect the rights of non-Latvians here. At the same time the international community pointed out the Latvia had not so far ratifies the Framework Convention on National minorities although the Cabinet of Ministers already in 1995 promised that the Saeima would adopt it. Several months ago the ac For Human Rights in United Latvia submitted for consideration at the Saeima a draft law on ratifying this convention but all other factions rejected it immediately even without discussing it. Saeima Human Rights and Social Affairs Commission Head A.Seiksts thinks that the ratification of this convention could do any harm to Latvia. It would just gain. He thinks that Latvia should ratify it in the nearest future but with at least one subterfuge – stating that Latvia temporarily might not implement Part 2 of Article 10. Lauku Avize

MP G.Bojars just returned from his regular visit to Moscow. During this visit he met the Chairman of national Council G.Seleznyov. Mr.Bojars told that it was an unofficial meeting during which they discussed standard issues of the situation with non-citizens and Russian speakers in Latvia, but more both officials spoke about possibilities to cooperate on parliamentarian level. The Chairman was positive about the visit of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins.

MP G.Bojars just returned from his regular visit to Moscow. During this visit he met the Chairman of national Council G.Seleznyov. Mr.Bojars told that it was an unofficial meeting during which they discussed standard issues of the situation with non-citizens and Russian speakers in Latvia, but more both officials spoke about possibilities to cooperate on parliamentarian level. The Chairman was positive about the visit of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Lauku Avize

Latvian authorities decided to stop broadcasting of the Russian speaking radio station B&B; for four days. But now it seems that local officials have overdone. According to the information received by

Latvian authorities decided to stop broadcasting of the Russian speaking radio station B&B for four days. But now it seems that local officials have overdone. According to the information received by Vesti Segodnya, Latvia faced problems with conformity of its legislation on radio and TV broadcasting with EU standards. EU Commission in Brussels demands Latvia to implement a whole set of amendments in its law on radio and TV. Officials in Brussels may not comprehend how state authorities in a democratic country may intervene in the language of broadcasting on private radio and TV stations. Brussels considers that any percentage limits should be abolished in broadcasting.

A.Story in

A.Story in Chas, writing about the conference Problems of legislation transformation due to integration in Europe, says that Latvias joining EU will also influence its legislation. Reforms must take place in many spheres – from state administration to rights of refuge seekers, from changes in Satversme to the Criminal Code. But the most important thing, as our constitution is the oldest in Europe, it should be changed quite a lot.