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 told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions ("Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels") and a group representing smaller factions. Each of the three factions and a "mixed" group will have three posts in the Cabinet. Still, the Prime-Minister will most probably reserve the right to select candidates for Minister of Finance and State Ministers. The candidates could be professionals not belonging to any political party. Chairman of "LC" faction Pantelejevs says that the faction expects to retain its posts in the Government (Minister of Foreign Birkavs, Minister of Transport Vilis Kristopans and the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs). According to "TB" deputy Roberts Zile, his faction, in case Skele's concept is accepted, would have its members for Minister of Economics (Guntars Krasts), Minister of Justice (Dzintars Rasnacs) and a post of a State Minister and several senior officials in the domain of welfare and education. "Saimnieks'" attitude to Skele's concept is unclear yet. Its leader Cevers, while commenting on Skele's suggestion at a press-conference, said that his party objected to "political deals". Still, some politicians forecast "Saimnieks" to suggest several candidates for Minister of the Interior. The faction may also lose the post of Minister of Finance. Smaller factions have not worked out a uniform approach to the issue yet. A possible option could be the signing of an agreement by the LNNK, the Latvian Farmers' Party, the Latvian Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, and "Tautai un Taisnibai". It is not clear whether the Unity party will participate in the forming of the Cabinet. Prime-Minister's Advisor Liepnieks says that Skele's concept could provide or canceling the right of a faction to replace its members relieved of their Minister's duties by the Premier. Diena, Neatkariga President Ulmanis told "DIENA" that he would agree to two of the three major factions forming the Cabinet. That could happen if one of the three factions disagreed to a candidate for Prime-Minister. "Saimnieks" will not agree to a candidate other than Skele, "Tevzemei un Brivibai" proposes Krasts as its candidate but is open to other proposals, while "Latvijas Cels" seems to agree to any candidature suggested by the President. Diena, Neatkariga

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed over his credentials yesterday. In his speech Mr. Udaltsov pointed at the integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most important problems impeding the relations between the two countries. He highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed over his credentials yesterday. In his speech Mr. Udaltsov pointed at the integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most important problems impeding the relations between the two countries. He highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs. Diena