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

Latvian Social Democrats party in the future could co-operate with Russian, Ukrainian and Belarus social democrat parties, Social Democrat Riga mayor said. Gundars Bojars said in an interview to the state radio that he discussed with Russian State Duma Speaker Genady Seleznov during the visit in Moscow last week the possible co-operation between Latvian Social Democrats and Russia's union of leftist forces Russia. Bojars said there are several forces in Russia having "social democrat moods" with which Latvian Social Democrats could co-operate. Bojars noted the good co-operation with Europe's Social Democrats and said it is "logical to look for partners in Russia, Ukraine and, possibly, also Belarus". Bojars did not specify though what forms that co-operation could take.

Latvian Social Democrats party in the future could co-operate with Russian, Ukrainian and Belarus social democrat parties, Social Democrat Riga mayor said. Gundars Bojars said in an interview to the state radio that he discussed with Russian State Duma Speaker Genady Seleznov during the visit in Moscow last week the possible co-operation between Latvian Social Democrats and Russia's union of leftist forces Russia. Bojars said there are several forces in Russia having "social democrat moods" with which Latvian Social Democrats could co-operate. Bojars noted the good co-operation with Europe's Social Democrats and said it is "logical to look for partners in Russia, Ukraine and, possibly, also Belarus". Bojars did not specify though what forms that co-operation could take. Diena, Respublika

None of Latvia's parties have experienced big changes in popularity ratings in June with only the leading three shifting places as Social Democrats retained the leading position while nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK pushed right-centrist People's Party to the third place. The fourth was centrist Latvia's Way and fifth was leftist For Human Rights in United Latvia, according to opinion poll conducted by SKDS polling centre. The sixth was Green Party which fell short of the 5 percent barrier though, needed to be elected to the parliament. Social Democrats saw their rating slightly improving in June jumping to 15.5 percent over a month from 14.3 percent in May. People's Party's rating was 11 percent in June, down 0.5 percent, FF/LNNK 10.7 percent, down 0.6 percent, Latvia's Way 10 percent, up 0.6 percent, For Human Rights in United Latvia 8.4 percent, up 0.2 percent, Green Party 4.1 percent, down 0.2 percent. For the rest of the parties the ratings were well below the 5 percent barrier -- Latvian Farmers Union 3.4 percent, Labour Party 2.7 percent, New Christian Party 2.2 percent. For others the ratings were still lower.

None of Latvia's parties have experienced big changes in popularity ratings in June with only the leading three shifting places as Social Democrats retained the leading position while nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK pushed right-centrist People's Party to the third place. The fourth was centrist Latvia's Way and fifth was leftist For Human Rights in United Latvia, according to opinion poll conducted by SKDS polling centre. The sixth was Green Party which fell short of the 5 percent barrier though, needed to be elected to the parliament. Social Democrats saw their rating slightly improving in June jumping to 15.5 percent over a month from 14.3 percent in May. People's Party's rating was 11 percent in June, down 0.5 percent, FF/LNNK 10.7 percent, down 0.6 percent, Latvia's Way 10 percent, up 0.6 percent, For Human Rights in United Latvia 8.4 percent, up 0.2 percent, Green Party 4.1 percent, down 0.2 percent. For the rest of the parties the ratings were well below the 5 percent barrier -- Latvian Farmers Union 3.4 percent, Labour Party 2.7 percent, New Christian Party 2.2 percent. For others the ratings were still lower.

The most popular politician is the President V.Vike-Freiberga (62,8) and the second is Latvian Bank president E.Repse (44.9). The most popular ministers come from Latvia’s Way – the minister of culture K.Petersone, Prime Minister A.Berzins and minister of transport A.Gorbunovs. Education minister K.Greiskalns, economy minister A.Kalvitis and welfare minister A.Pozharnovs have earned the status of the most unpopular ministers.

The most popular politician is the President V.Vike-Freiberga (62,8) and the second is Latvian Bank president E.Repse (44.9). The most popular ministers come from Latvias Way – the minister of culture K.Petersone, Prime Minister A.Berzins and minister of transport A.Gorbunovs. Education minister K.Greiskalns, economy minister A.Kalvitis and welfare minister A.Pozharnovs have earned the status of the most unpopular ministers. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Diena

interviews M.Marinich, Byelorussian ambassador to Latvia and a president candidate. M.Marinich talks about the reasons which made him to run for election, his chances and the possible outcomes. His main goal is to re-establish democracy in the country, guarantee human rights and join the EU. interviews M.Marinich, Byelorussian ambassador to Latvia and a president candidate. M.Marinich talks about the reasons which made him to run for election, his chances and the possible outcomes. His main goal is to re-establish democracy in the country, guarantee human rights and join the EU. Russian authorities have denied an entrance visa to FF/LNNK deputy Vidinsh for the third time. J.Vidinsh planned to go to business trip to Moscow on the invitation of Russian Cinematography Federation. As a possible ground for the refusal, J.Vidinsh names his involvement in Saeima deputies working group established to help non-Latvians to return to their ethnic countries

Russian authorities have denied an entrance visa to FF/LNNK deputy Vidinsh for the third time. J.Vidinsh planned to go to business trip to Moscow on the invitation of Russian Cinematography Federation. As a possible ground for the refusal, J.Vidinsh names his involvement in Saeima deputies working group established to help non-Latvians to return to their ethnic countries. Diena, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Chas

interviews Carnegie Centre in Moscow deputy director D.Trenin. He talks about Russias integration in western organisations, in particular, in NATO, gives a very positive evaluation to the meeting of American and Russian presidents in Lublana, he also provides his explanation to Putins note about the Baltic States. interviews Carnegie Centre in Moscow deputy director D.Trenin. He talks about Russia’s integration in western organisations, in particular, in NATO, gives a very positive evaluation to the meeting of American and Russian presidents in Lublana, he also provides his explanation to Putin’s note about the Baltic States. Saeima deputy FHRUL faction member B.Cilevich takes part in the 6th session of PACE in Strasbourg. This time PACE the issue concerning Russian and Latvian relations is not on the agenda, however, B.Cilevich is going to collect the signatures against restrictions concerning language rights of national minorities in the field of radio and TV broadcasting.

Saeima deputy FHRUL faction member B.Cilevich takes part in the 6th session of PACE in Strasbourg. This time PACE the issue concerning Russian and Latvian relations is not on the agenda, however, B.Cilevich is going to collect the signatures against restrictions concerning language rights of national minorities in the field of radio and TV broadcasting. Vesti Segodnja