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

Representatives of the governing factions discussed the election of the Constitutional Court Judges during their traditional working breakfast yesterday. The participants of the meeting considered possible mandatory voting on the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. The

Representatives of the governing factions discussed the election of the Constitutional Court Judges during their traditional working breakfast yesterday. The participants of the meeting considered possible mandatory voting on the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. The Saeima failed to elect five judges required for the Court to start its work. The Saeima declined both candidates (Ilze Skultane and Andrejs Lepse) nominated by the Supreme Court. Chairman of the Supreme Court Gulans admits persuading the two candidates to run for the posts again will not be an easy task. The agenda of the working breakfast also included Mr. Cevers' resignation. Most faction representatives agreed that Prime-Minister Skele should have discussed the canceling the office of the Deputy Prime-Minister with the factions before making the decision public. Diena, B&B

Tomorrow the

Tomorrow the Saeima may make a formal decision on renewing Mr. Cevers' mandate. "Saimnieks" faction leaders do not exclude the possibility of Mr. Cevers taking the post of the faction leader. Neatkariga

Boris Tsilevich in his comment on recent developments in the Cabinet points at

Boris Tsilevich in his comment on recent developments in the Cabinet points at "Latvijas Cels" gradually losing its influence in the Saeima and in the Government. Recently "LC" lost the office of a State Minister in the Ministry of Finance. The weakening of "LC", according to Tsilevich, led to the current confrontation between the two remaining leading forces, e.i., Skele and Cevers. The nationalist Block will continue maneuvering between "LC" and "Saimnieks" to retain its electorate. SM

Although Mr. Landsbergis suggests determining Lithuania's sea boarder with Latvia unilaterally, he believes the border argument should be resolved by the current Cabinet. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for the national radio said the argument could not be resolved unilaterally. Latvia had not violated international legal norms and should not be disturbed by Lithuania possibly addressing the UN and the OSCE, said Birkavs. Latvia has already suggested taking the argument to an international court. Tomorrow the Saeima will ratify the final reading of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB.

Although Mr. Landsbergis suggests determining Lithuania's sea boarder with Latvia unilaterally, he believes the border argument should be resolved by the current Cabinet. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for the national radio said the argument could not be resolved unilaterally. Latvia had not violated international legal norms and should not be disturbed by Lithuania possibly addressing the UN and the OSCE, said Birkavs. Latvia has already suggested taking the argument to an international court. Tomorrow the Saeima will ratify the final reading of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB. Diena

The agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri may include the problem of establishing the state borders with Russia. Mr. Ulmanis in an interview for

The agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri may include the problem of establishing the state borders with Russia. Mr. Ulmanis in an interview for "DIENA" said Latvia had no claims toward Russia. On the opposite, it is Russia who puts forward claims by arguing the validity of the Tartu and the Riga Peace Treaties. Mr. Ulmanis said both countries will use similar approaches to their negotiations with Russia. Diena