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 largest

Representatives of the largest Saeima factions believe that Mr. Skele could still be nominated Prime-Minister while the Cabinet should be based on "Saimnieks", "Latvijas Cels" and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" (ATB@). Still, "TB" suggested its own candidate for the post (Guntars Krasts, currently Minister of Economics). Today "Saimnieks" is expected to make a decision on whether to suggest its candidate. Anatolijs Gorbunovs and Andris Berzins are unofficially reported to be the most possible "Latvijas Cels" candidates. Several politicians interviewed by "DIENA" think that Skele's resignation could be a maneuver aimed at restructuring of the Cabinet. The President had a meeting with Prime-Minister Skele. The official statement on the meeting reads that both parties have overcome mutual misunderstanding and agreed on the importance of responsibility and high moral standards in Latvian politics. President Ulmanis told the press that he would hold consultations with all political parties represented in the Saeima to ensure a wide support for a candidate. Diena, Neatkariga ASaimnieks@ leader Cevers said yesterday that Skele's resignation was a result of a political intrigue. He told the press that he might reveal some details today. According to some rumors, the Prime-Minister resigned after a leak of information on his illegal business activities. Such facts were mentioned by former Minister of the Interior Adamsons after Skele had been nominated Prime-Minister. SM

Ilga and Aivars Kreituss (former

Ilga and Aivars Kreituss (former ASaimnieks@ members) are about to form their own party. Other founders of the new "Workers' Party" are not known yet. According to Mr. Kreituss, the party will protect the interests of employees. According to "DIENA", some of the current "Saimnieks" members may join the new party.

Head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department Gennady Tarasov referred to correspondence between OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel and Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs on citizenship issues. The correspondence has been circulated by the OSCE Secretariat recently. Mr. van der Stoel suggests amending Latvian legislation to cancel "the window mechanism" that slows down naturalization. Among steps that would liberalize the Citizenship Law Mr. Cvvan der Stoel suggests decreasing naturalization fees and exempting persons over sixty-five years of age from language exams. Tarasov stressed that the Russian side shares van der Stoel's opinion.

Head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department Gennady Tarasov referred to correspondence between OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel and Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs on citizenship issues. The correspondence has been circulated by the OSCE Secretariat recently. Mr. van der Stoel suggests amending Latvian legislation to cancel "the window mechanism" that slows down naturalization. Among steps that would liberalize the Citizenship Law Mr. Cvvan der Stoel suggests decreasing naturalization fees and exempting persons over sixty-five years of age from language exams. Tarasov stressed that the Russian side shares van der Stoel's opinion. SM The OSCE agreed to include "Tevzemei un Brivibai" deputy Vidins in a group of election observers in Chechnya. Last year Russia refused to issue an entrance visa to Vidins. The reasons for the refusal were, most probably, his participation in the Saeima Group for Support of Chechnya and his negative attitude to Russian citizens residing in Latvia. SM