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

A US Republican senator, currently on visit to Latvia, is optimistic about the Baltic states' chances to be handed invitations to join NATO at the alliance's summit in Prague in late 2002. Senator Richard G. Lugar for the state of Indiana, speaking to the press Saturday in Riga, said that the Latvian armed forces had made a major progress since restoration of the country's independence in 1991, although the process had started "with a screech." At present the Baltic defence forces can be compared to NATO member states' armies, however. According to Lugar, now the question was not about the possible threat of the Baltic States not getting the invitation, it was about the development of the NATO enlargement process as such. The US senator said there still is not enough information to build a more constructive dialogue about admission of the Baltic States to NATO while certain enthusiasm about expanding the alliance does exist. "Russia with growing interests follows developments in admission of new members to NATO, in particular as regards the Baltic States, and is bound to pay more attention to defence and security issues. While we debate with Russia about which and how many new NATO candidates there can be, the criteria remain the same for all," said Lugar. He mentioned economic growth, removal of trade barriers and human rights as the main political ideals to be used by the candidate states as a basis, presuming that in these aspects the Russian policy may be consistent with NATO requirements "The NATO doors remain open for all candidates, also Russia, and the question about admitting Russia definitely has to be discussed with more intensity at the summit debates in future," said the US senator. He strongly denied, however, that the US-Russian talks about anti-missile defence system could in any way affect the US support to admission of the Baltic states to NATO. On Sunday Lugar will proceed from Latvia to Russia and further to Romania and Bulgaria. Another US senator, John McCain for the state of Arizona, arrived in Riga Sunday. Both US officials are scheduled to meet with the Latvian president and the Prime Minister to discuss the country's preparations for NATO membership.

A US Republican senator, currently on visit to Latvia, is optimistic about the Baltic states' chances to be handed invitations to join NATO at the alliance's summit in Prague in late 2002. Senator Richard G. Lugar for the state of Indiana, speaking to the press Saturday in Riga, said that the Latvian armed forces had made a major progress since restoration of the country's independence in 1991, although the process had started "with a screech." At present the Baltic defence forces can be compared to NATO member states' armies, however. According to Lugar, now the question was not about the possible threat of the Baltic States not getting the invitation, it was about the development of the NATO enlargement process as such. The US senator said there still is not enough information to build a more constructive dialogue about admission of the Baltic States to NATO while certain enthusiasm about expanding the alliance does exist. "Russia with growing interests follows developments in admission of new members to NATO, in particular as regards the Baltic States, and is bound to pay more attention to defence and security issues. While we debate with Russia about which and how many new NATO candidates there can be, the criteria remain the same for all," said Lugar. He mentioned economic growth, removal of trade barriers and human rights as the main political ideals to be used by the candidate states as a basis, presuming that in these aspects the Russian policy may be consistent with NATO requirements "The NATO doors remain open for all candidates, also Russia, and the question about admitting Russia definitely has to be discussed with more intensity at the summit debates in future," said the US senator. He strongly denied, however, that the US-Russian talks about anti-missile defence system could in any way affect the US support to admission of the Baltic states to NATO. On Sunday Lugar will proceed from Latvia to Russia and further to Romania and Bulgaria. Another US senator, John McCain for the state of Arizona, arrived in Riga Sunday. Both US officials are scheduled to meet with the Latvian president and the Prime Minister to discuss the country's preparations for NATO membership. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

With the leave of FF/LNNK from the coalition of Riga City Council, the influence of FHRUL gets more serious at Riga City Council. The members of FHRUL will candidate for the posts previously taken by FF/LNNK party members.

With the leave of FF/LNNK from the coalition of Riga City Council, the influence of FHRUL gets more serious at Riga City Council. The members of FHRUL will candidate for the posts previously taken by FF/LNNK party members. Diena

Latvian diplomats are surprised at the statement by Visegrad states that Saturday said they would support the Baltic membership in NATO only on condition that Slovakia and Slovenia are also admitted to the organisation. The Visegrad Group consisting of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia explained its position by saying that all countries willing to join the alliance and meeting the membership criteria should be allowed to join NATO.

Latvian diplomats are surprised at the statement by Visegrad states that Saturday said they would support the Baltic membership in NATO only on condition that Slovakia and Slovenia are also admitted to the organisation. The Visegrad Group consisting of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia explained its position by saying that all countries willing to join the alliance and meeting the membership criteria should be allowed to join NATO. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

History teacher Andris Berzins can be proud as he has secured for himself a place in the history records as the head of the most long-lived government in Latvia since restoration of the country's independence in 1991. Berzins has survived in the Latvian premier's office for one year, three months, 21 days and still counting. Frequent change of government is not unusual for Latvia. The current government is the ninth consecutive government Latvia has since in ten years since the restoration of its independence.

Jauna, Chas Despite recent public squabbles between various Social Democrat officials, the party leaders strongly denied any allegations about possible split in the party as originating from "outside." After the Social Democrat party council meeting held Saturday to discuss possible expulsion of a trouble-making member, Imants Burvis, involved in a number of public scandals which undoubtedly contributed to rumours about the split, the party leader Juris Bojars told reporters the Social Democrat party was whole. There are no two wings within the party, no division into supporters of Burvis and supporters of Bojars, the Social Democrat leader assured the press, saying "it is only wishful thinking on part of other parties."

Despite recent public squabbles between various Social Democrat officials, the party leaders strongly denied any allegations about possible split in the party as originating from "outside." After the Social Democrat party council meeting held Saturday to discuss possible expulsion of a trouble-making member, Imants Burvis, involved in a number of public scandals which undoubtedly contributed to rumours about the split, the party leader Juris Bojars told reporters the Social Democrat party was whole. There are no two wings within the party, no division into supporters of Burvis and supporters of Bojars, the Social Democrat leader assured the press, saying "it is only wishful thinking on part of other parties." Diena, Chas

Jauna

interviews new Riga City Council vice-mayor, Labour Party chairperson A.Kreituss. When asked about the possibility that Labour Party could merge with Social Democrats, A.Kreistuss says that at the moment Social Democrats have to solve their inside party problems. He thinks that one of the mandatory requirements of EU emissaries will be granting non-citizens rights to participate at municipal elections. interviews new Riga City Council vice-mayor, Labour Party chairperson A.Kreituss. When asked about the possibility that Labour Party could merge with Social Democrats, A.Kreistuss says that at the moment Social Democrats have to solve their inside party problems. He thinks that one of the mandatory requirements of EU emissaries will be granting non-citizens rights to participate at municipal elections.

Chas

interviews minister of education and science K.Greishkalns. The main issue of the interview concerned the transfer of secondary education of national minority schools to the state language in 2004. The minister thinks that the transfer should not postponed to 2008 and in his opinion the parents of Russian students and school administrations are in support to the transfer already in 2004. The minister agrees that competition for former Russian school teachers will be harder as of 2004, however, that will be only in benefit to the students. interviews minister of education and science K.Greishkalns. The main issue of the interview concerned the transfer of secondary education of national minority schools to the state language in 2004. The minister thinks that the transfer should not postponed to 2008 and in his opinion the parents of Russian students and school administrations are in support to the transfer already in 2004. The minister agrees that competition for former Russian school teachers will be harder as of 2004, however, that will be only in benefit to the students. Newspapers publish parts of TW show “From the Position of Power” with the participation of Latvia Bank president E.Repshe who has announced the foundation of a new party. The biggest part of the show was devoted to the questions concerning financial aspects of the party to be established. To the question asked by

Newspapers publish parts of TW show From the Position of Power with the participation of Latvia Bank president E.Repshe who has announced the foundation of a new party. The biggest part of the show was devoted to the questions concerning financial aspects of the party to be established. To the question asked by Vesti Segodnja whether the new party will have their own position in regard to national minority issues, E.Repshe said that There is only one position – all residents have to speak the state language. I do think that Latvian officials have to make all statements only in the state language. And that is it in regard to national issues. The main thing for me is the solution of social and economic problems. Chas, Respublika, Panorama Latvii