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

PANORAMA LATVII

interviewed Russias plenipotentiary for military pensioners affairs Nikolay Yevteyev. The issue of the interview was recent statements by Minister of Welfare Makarovs and Minister of Finance Kreituss on possible taxing of pensions exceeding a certain minimum. The suggested amendment to the tax law could apply also to retired Russian servicemen. Mr Yevteyev says that in accordance with the agreement between Russia and Latvia servicemens pensions are to be paid in a foreign currency and are interviewed Russia’s plenipotentiary for military pensioners’ affairs Nikolay Yevteyev. The issue of the interview was recent statements by Minister of Welfare Makarovs and Minister of Finance Kreituss on possible taxing of pensions exceeding a certain minimum. The suggested amendment to the tax law could apply also to retired Russian servicemen. Mr Yevteyev says that in accordance with the agreement between Russia and Latvia servicemen’s pensions are to be paid in a foreign currency and are tax-free tax-free. The provision was included into the agreement on Yevteyevs request. Russias Embassy asked Latvias Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comments on the issue. Yevteyev says the problem should be resolved within the framework set by the two countries agreement on pensioned servicemen. . The provision was included into the agreement on Yevteyev’s request. Russia’s Embassy asked Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comments on the issue. Yevteyev says the problem should be resolved within the framework set by the two countries’ agreement on pensioned servicemen. Panorama Latvii Panorama Latvii On September 13 the

On September 13 the Saimnieks Party Council voted for expelling Mr Kreituss from the party and recalling him from the post of the Minister of Finance. Speaker of the Saeima Mrs Ilga Kreituse requested the Council to expel her as well. The Council could not vote on the issue without the party leadership having adopted a corresponding decision. During her press-conference last Friday Mrs Kreituse criticised Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs, Deputy Prime-Minister Cevers, and President Ulmanis for questioning the necessity of the Declaration on Occupation. Kreituse said the ministers and the President should not criticise a decision adopted by the parliament. According to ITAR-TASS, Mr Gennady Tarasov of Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the statements made by Mr Ulmanis in connection with the Declaration. Mr Tarasov said Latvias more active policy in the East mentioned by Ulmanis could create prerequisites for future summits and would avert the nationalists attempts to reduce the rights of noncitizens. Neatkariga, Diena

Prime-Minister Skele told the press he would make a decision on Kreituss’ possible dismissal only after having studied the motives given by “Saimnieks” leaders. The Prime-Minister believes the issue should be reviewed by the Council for the Faction Co-operation. Mr Skele is most likely to give his opinion by the end of this month after his return from abroad. Mr Kreituss says he will take his seat in the

Prime-Minister Skele told the press he would make a decision on Kreituss possible dismissal only after having studied the motives given by Saimnieks leaders. The Prime-Minister believes the issue should be reviewed by the Council for the Faction Co-operation. Mr Skele is most likely to give his opinion by the end of this month after his return from abroad. Mr Kreituss says he will take his seat in the Saeima in case of dismissal although he still cannot name a party he would choose to collaborate with. He explains the attempt to recall him from the Ministers post by his refusal to put Saimnieks men in charge of the Ministry of Finance and the State Revenue Service. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an article for

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an article for DIENA stresses the importance of Latvias efforts to join the EU and NATO. He firmly believes finladisation cannot guarantee Latvias security. Latvia should focus on bringing its foreign and domestic policies in compliance with the EU and NATO standards, writes Birkavs. Diena

The Ministry of Welfare representatives and the Council of Europe experts told the press Latvia was ready to join the European Social Charter. The Charter declares economic and social rights of a country’s citizens. Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Welfare Mrs Puriða says Latvia could join the Charter without ratifying its provisions on social welfare and benefits due to economic instability in the country.

The Ministry of Welfare representatives and the Council of Europe experts told the press Latvia was ready to join the European Social Charter. The Charter declares economic and social rights of a countrys citizens. Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Welfare Mrs Puriða says Latvia could join the Charter without ratifying its provisions on social welfare and benefits due to economic instability in the country. Diena