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

Prime-Minister Skele is expected to demand the resignation of Minister of Finance Kreituss this week. The two-week term for the parties to take political responsibility for their candidates for the Minister's office expires today. According to Mr. Skele, none of the parties named its candidate. Skele is not representing any party after having left

Prime-Minister Skele is expected to demand the resignation of Minister of Finance Kreituss this week. The two-week term for the parties to take political responsibility for their candidates for the Minister's office expires today. According to Mr. Skele, none of the parties named its candidate. Skele is not representing any party after having left "Saimnieks" and, according to the agreement between the governing factions cannot perform a minister's duties. The agreement gives "Saimnieks" the right to suggest their candidate for the post. "Saimnieks" has not used the right yet. Sources in the Saeima say the most possible candidates are Saeima Deputy-Chairman Andris Ameriks and Head of the Saeima Economic Committee Atis Sausnitis. According to the Law on the Cabinet of Ministers, two State Ministers (the State Minister of Investments and Crediting Policies and the State Minister of State Revenues) should resign as well. Skele will hold consultations with the governing factions on possible elimination of the two posts. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele during his press-conference last Friday said he and the Cabinet of Ministers did not support the abolishment of capital punishment. While touching upon Latvia's argument with lithuania he told the press Latvia proposed a solution that might be acceptable to Lithuania and was waiting for a response next week. The essence of Latvia's proposal was not revealed to the journalist. The Prime-Minister believes he could visit Moscow in October.

Prime-Minister Skele during his press-conference last Friday said he and the Cabinet of Ministers did not support the abolishment of capital punishment. While touching upon Latvia's argument with lithuania he told the press Latvia proposed a solution that might be acceptable to Lithuania and was waiting for a response next week. The essence of Latvia's proposal was not revealed to the journalist. The Prime-Minister believes he could visit Moscow in October. Neatkariga, SM

Poland's Ambassador Jaroslaw Lindenberg hopes the Saeima will support amendments to the Citizenship law providing for extraordinary naturalization of former Polish citizens. The initiative is supported by the Human Rights Committee, says Mr. Lindenberg.

Poland's Ambassador Jaroslaw Lindenberg hopes the Saeima will support amendments to the Citizenship law providing for extraordinary naturalization of former Polish citizens. The initiative is supported by the Human Rights Committee, says Mr. Lindenberg. Neatkariga

The Constitutional Court situation remains unclear. According to the Law on the Constitutional Court, three judges of the Court are to be suggested by the

The Constitutional Court situation remains unclear. According to the Law on the Constitutional Court, three judges of the Court are to be suggested by the Saeima, two judges are suggested by the Cabinet of Ministers, while the Supreme Court suggests three more candidates. Although the candidatures suggested by the Saeima faction are known to the press, no official documents on any of the candidates have been submitted to the Saeima Presidium. The list of the candidates is as follows: "Saimnieks" - Deputy Prime-Minister's Advisor Igors Bukovskis. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" - Valdis Rozukalns. The Farmers' Union/The Union of Christian Democrats - Head of the Law Department of the Ministry of agriculture Viktors Elksnis. LNNK - Parliamentary Secretary of the Minister of Justice Velga Slaidina. The Unity Party - Latvian University professor Valdis Cielava. The Cabinet of Ministers - Saeima deputy Aivars Endzins and Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Ilma Cepane. The Supreme Court - Andreis Lepse and Ilze Skultane. The Saeima will vote on the candidates in two weeks. Among candidates having the strongest chances to pass the voting are Enzins, Cepane, and Apsitis. Diena

The Presidents of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania made a statement on security in the Baltic region. The joint statement says the three countries are expecting tangible guarantees of their security. The Presidents of the Baltic states express their commitment to the idea of collective security and express their concern about a possible forming of "gray zones" in Europe. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are ready to take necessary steps to bring their armed forces into the compliance with NATO standards. The statement is to a great extend a reaction to Mr. Perry saying the three countries are not ready to join NATO as full-fledged members.

The Presidents of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania made a statement on security in the Baltic region. The joint statement says the three countries are expecting tangible guarantees of their security. The Presidents of the Baltic states express their commitment to the idea of collective security and express their concern about a possible forming of "gray zones" in Europe. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are ready to take necessary steps to bring their armed forces into the compliance with NATO standards. The statement is to a great extend a reaction to Mr. Perry saying the three countries are not ready to join NATO as full-fledged members. Diena, Neatkariga

32,000 Latvia's residents 16 to 25 years old could apply for citizenship this year. Still, the Naturalization Board has received only 423 applications from this age group. According to Deputy-Head of the Board Janis Kohanovics, around 150 applicants have passed the tests and will take a citizen's oath by the end of this year. Mr. Kohanovics marked an improved cooperation between the Board and the Citizenship and Immigration Department. Naturalization Board officers cannot explain the lack of interest toward naturalization among young noncitizens. President Ulmanis also failed to explain the situation when asked about the naturalization process during his visit to Strasbourg.

32,000 Latvia's residents 16 to 25 years old could apply for citizenship this year. Still, the Naturalization Board has received only 423 applications from this age group. According to Deputy-Head of the Board Janis Kohanovics, around 150 applicants have passed the tests and will take a citizen's oath by the end of this year. Mr. Kohanovics marked an improved cooperation between the Board and the Citizenship and Immigration Department. Naturalization Board officers cannot explain the lack of interest toward naturalization among young noncitizens. President Ulmanis also failed to explain the situation when asked about the naturalization process during his visit to Strasbourg. Diena

Head of the Baltic Section of the Second European Department of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sergey Prihodko analyzed the state of relations between Russia and the Baltic states in an article for

Head of the Baltic Section of the Second European Department of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sergey Prihodko analyzed the state of relations between Russia and the Baltic states in an article for "SM". Mr. Prihodko blames Latvia for impairing its relations with Russia by adopting the Declaration on Occupation. He criticizes Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania for a one-sided approach to the issue of security. According to Prihodko, the three countries should eliminate "internal sources of tension" instead of cultivating the idea of Russia threatening the independence of "small Baltic states". Mr. Prihodko admits there is a certain progress in relations between Latvia and Russia although the progress is often detained. He specially points out the large number of "compatriots" "deliberately deprived of a chance to receive citizenship." Prihodko believes the situation could be explained by the ruling parties fearing non-Latvians could influence the country's political life if given the right to vote. SM