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

Election of Riga city council committee heads has triggered disagreements within the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party that formally has not joined the ruling coalition in city council but has its members elected as heads of two committees. Party chairman Maris Grinblats told it was not the party's decision and the deputies "had acted on their own" and now the party's board will have to consider the matter. But the rest the government coalition parties (People's Party and Latvia's Way) don't believe the two were elected as committee heads without the party knowing about it.

Election of Riga city council committee heads has triggered disagreements within the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party that formally has not joined the ruling coalition in city council but has its members elected as heads of two committees. Party chairman Maris Grinblats told it was not the party's decision and the deputies "had acted on their own" and now the party's board will have to consider the matter. But the rest the government coalition parties (People's Party and Latvia's Way) don't believe the two were elected as committee heads without the party knowing about it. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Chas

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov congratulated new Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars with election to the post voicing a hope his work would promote dialogue between the two cities, Riga town council public relations office reported to

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov congratulated new Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars with election to the post voicing a hope his work would promote dialogue between the two cities, Riga town council public relations office reported to BNS.

A Latvian lawmaker, the chairman of Latvian delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, died last night during his visit to the People's Republic of China, the parliament press service reported to BNS on Wednesday. The deceased was Juris Sinka, 73, who represented Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party in the parliament since 1993. He also was a member of Chechnya and Tibet support groups at the parliament and in 1996 chaired talks between Latvia and Lithuania about the sea border.

A Latvian lawmaker, the chairman of Latvian delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, died last night during his visit to the People's Republic of China, the parliament press service reported to BNS on Wednesday. The deceased was Juris Sinka, 73, who represented Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party in the parliament since 1993. He also was a member of Chechnya and Tibet support groups at the parliament and in 1996 chaired talks between Latvia and Lithuania about the sea border. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins Thursday will meet NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Issues Klaus Peter Klaiber to discuss the role of partner countries in NATO and future perspectives of NATO activities, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reported to

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins Thursday will meet NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Issues Klaus Peter Klaiber to discuss the role of partner countries in NATO and future perspectives of NATO activities, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reported to BNS.

Latvia has made a great progress both in democratic reforms and economic changes during the last decade since the restoration of the country's independence, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner said Wednesday in Riga. Speaking at a news conference Ferrero-Waldner gave together with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, the Austrian minister said that changes had taken place not only in Latvia but the Baltic region in general.

Latvia has made a great progress both in democratic reforms and economic changes during the last decade since the restoration of the country's independence, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner said Wednesday in Riga. Speaking at a news conference Ferrero-Waldner gave together with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, the Austrian minister said that changes had taken place not only in Latvia but the Baltic region in general. BNS, Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday according to the order of Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov were increased pensions for war veterans living in Latvia. Prime Minister signed a document stipulating that pension for this category of people should not be less than the minimal pension in their country of residence.

Yesterday according to the order of Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov were increased pensions for war veterans living in Latvia. Prime Minister signed a document stipulating that pension for this category of people should not be less than the minimal pension in their country of residence. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Russia decided to protect its citizens, and today Russian advocate S.Belyak is coming to Riga to participate in the defence of National Bolsheviks arrested last September.

Russia decided to protect its citizens, and today Russian advocate S.Belyak is coming to Riga to participate in the defence of National Bolsheviks arrested last September. Panorama Latvii