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

Most representatives of the

Most representatives of the Saeima factions believe a Minister should represent a party that would be responsible for his work. This allows to suggest that Mr Kreituss will be relieved of his duties after Prime-Minister Skele returns from his visits abroad. A new candidate is most likely to be named after the state budget is adopted. Observers expect the Prime-Minister could perform the duties of the Minister of Finance after Kreituss dismissal before a new Minister is appointed. According to the agreement between the governing factions, the post is to be taken by a Saimnieks member. Saimnieks Chairman Cevers says he will discuss possible candidatures with the Prime-Minister. Diena

On September 17 the governing factions and the Prime-Minister signed a co-operation agreement. The agreement is a supplement to the basic agreement currently in force and its objective is to foster the implementation of the Government Declaration within next twelve months. The document is a result of an intensive search for a compromise and it has taken the factions and the Prime-Minister several months to come to its final version acceptable to all sides. Some factions used their right of not joining separate points of the agreement.

On September 17 the governing factions and the Prime-Minister signed a co-operation agreement. The agreement is a supplement to the basic agreement currently in force and its objective is to foster the implementation of the Government Declaration within next twelve months. The document is a result of an intensive search for a compromise and it has taken the factions and the Prime-Minister several months to come to its final version acceptable to all sides. Some factions used their right of not joining separate points of the agreement. Tevzemei un Brivibai, among other points, did not agree to the introduction of a free land market. All stipulations suggested by factions have been included into the agreement. Diena

Kreituse has left the

Kreituse has left the Saimnieks party. Party Chairman Cevers does not exclude the possibility of recalling Mrs Kreituse from the Saeima Presidium. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the first reading of draft amendments to the Law on the State Civil Service. The amendments suggested by the Committee for the Implementation of the Citizenship Law apply to 203 noncitizens employed as civil servants to be relieved of their duties according to the legislation currently in force. Noncitizens employed as civil servants will retain their positions if the amendments pass the second final reading. Recently a number of state institutions requested the Saeima to grant citizenship to some of their employees. The second final reading is expected in a week. The Tevzemei un Brivibai faction is opposing the amendments. Diena, SM

President Ulmanis is leaving for Strasbourg on 23 September. The President will address the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. The subjects to be touched upon by the President will include integration of Latvia’s society and relations between ethnic communities. According to the President’s press-centre, Latvia’s experience can serve as an example for the rest of Europe since the issue is still topical for several European countries.

President Ulmanis is leaving for Strasbourg on 23 September. The President will address the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. The subjects to be touched upon by the President will include integration of Latvias society and relations between ethnic communities. According to the Presidents press-centre, Latvias experience can serve as an example for the rest of Europe since the issue is still topical for several European countries. Diena