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

Currently, the Saeima factions do not have a uniform opinion on a possible candidate for Prime-Minister. Yesterday "Saimnieks", the Farmers’ Union/the Christian Democrats, LNNK, and "Tautai un Taisnibai" factions suggested Skele for Prime-Minister. "Latvijas Cels" representatives say they would agree to Gunars Krasts of "TB" taking the post if the candidate is supported by majority in the Saeima. Last Tuesday Cevers said that Skele's resignation was caused by a "political intrigue" and promised to give further explanations after talking to Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs. Birkavs commented on Cevers' statement saying that "attempts to connect his name with the Government crisis" were aimed at removing him from the political scene. Skele said that he did not decide on whether to accept a possible proposal to form a new Cabinet. Still, according to Cevers, Skele told the meeting of the "Saimnieks" faction that he would agree to take the post. Skele's advisor Liepnieks says that the former Prime-Minister's further steps fully depend on the opinion expressed by the Saeima factions and the President. Most analysts believe that a new Cabinet will be constituted mainly by "TB", "Saimnieks" and "LC" members, while other factions will not have as many posts as they do currently.

Currently, the Saeima factions do not have a uniform opinion on a possible candidate for Prime-Minister. Yesterday "Saimnieks", the Farmers Union/the Christian Democrats, LNNK, and "Tautai un Taisnibai" factions suggested Skele for Prime-Minister. "Latvijas Cels" representatives say they would agree to Gunars Krasts of "TB" taking the post if the candidate is supported by majority in the Saeima. Last Tuesday Cevers said that Skele's resignation was caused by a "political intrigue" and promised to give further explanations after talking to Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs. Birkavs commented on Cevers' statement saying that "attempts to connect his name with the Government crisis" were aimed at removing him from the political scene. Skele said that he did not decide on whether to accept a possible proposal to form a new Cabinet. Still, according to Cevers, Skele told the meeting of the "Saimnieks" faction that he would agree to take the post. Skele's advisor Liepnieks says that the former Prime-Minister's further steps fully depend on the opinion expressed by the Saeima factions and the President. Most analysts believe that a new Cabinet will be constituted mainly by "TB", "Saimnieks" and "LC" members, while other factions will not have as many posts as they do currently. Diena, B&B

Newly appointed Minister of Finance Melnik resigned yesterday. Ziedonis Cevers said that the decision was taken to avoid rumors of Melnik being responsible for the Cabinet crisis.

Newly appointed Minister of Finance Melnik resigned yesterday. Ziedonis Cevers said that the decision was taken to avoid rumors of Melnik being responsible for the Cabinet crisis. Diena

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics told "DIENA" that the Ministry "regretted" misinterpretation of Latvia's collaboration with the OSCE High Commissioner by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Press-Secretary explained that the letter referred to by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tarasov was only a small part of a regular exchange of opinions between High Commissioner van der Stoel and the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The letter criticized the Latvian Citizenship Law and a slow pace of naturalization. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs points at van der Stoel's positive assessment of the work of the Human Rights Office, the program of the teaching of the Latvian language, and the forming of the Consultative Council on Nationalities. Pildegovics stressed that political parties and media are discussing naturalization and citizenship problems. Still not all of the High Commissioner's suggestions could be implemented in the nearest future due to peculiar demographic situation in the country, said Pildegovics. Amending the legislation, according to the Press-Secretary, will take several stages and require thorough discussing.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics told "DIENA" that the Ministry "regretted" misinterpretation of Latvia's collaboration with the OSCE High Commissioner by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Press-Secretary explained that the letter referred to by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tarasov was only a small part of a regular exchange of opinions between High Commissioner van der Stoel and the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The letter criticized the Latvian Citizenship Law and a slow pace of naturalization. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs points at van der Stoel's positive assessment of the work of the Human Rights Office, the program of the teaching of the Latvian language, and the forming of the Consultative Council on Nationalities. Pildegovics stressed that political parties and media are discussing naturalization and citizenship problems. Still not all of the High Commissioner's suggestions could be implemented in the nearest future due to peculiar demographic situation in the country, said Pildegovics. Amending the legislation, according to the Press-Secretary, will take several stages and require thorough discussing. Diena