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 Review

Press Review

Andris Skele in an interview for

Andris Skele in an interview for "DIENA" said that the canceling of "propiska" was not opposed by any of the factions expected to form the Cabinet. The new type of registration, according to Skele, will be based on an individuals place of registration as a taxpayer. When asked about the possibility of Melnik ("Saimnieks") taking the post of Minister of Finance, Skele said that he would not object against his candidature unless there was conclusive evidence against Melnik. The very fact of Melnik being nominated by his party as a candidate for Minister of Finance proves that "Saimnieks" has no doubts about his morals, said Skele. Skele confirmed that "Tevzemei un Brivibai" candidate Roberts Zile had declined his proposal to take the post. Diena

Recent statements by Western politicians show that Latvia will not be among the countries admitted to NATO at the first stage of its enlargement. US Ambassador to Sweden Thomas Siebert said that the Baltic states would not be invited to NATO summit in Madrid this summer. Still, he confirmed that US were supporting the admission of the three Baltic countries to NATO. The US Ambassador said that W.Perry's assessment of the three countries as potential NATO members had not been changed. Last year Perry said that the Baltic states were not prepared to join NATO at the first stage of its enlargement. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics commented on Siebert's statement saying that Latvia would adhere to its policy aimed at joining NATO irrespective of the outcome of this year's summit.

Recent statements by Western politicians show that Latvia will not be among the countries admitted to NATO at the first stage of its enlargement. US Ambassador to Sweden Thomas Siebert said that the Baltic states would not be invited to NATO summit in Madrid this summer. Still, he confirmed that US were supporting the admission of the three Baltic countries to NATO. The US Ambassador said that W.Perry's assessment of the three countries as potential NATO members had not been changed. Last year Perry said that the Baltic states were not prepared to join NATO at the first stage of its enlargement. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics commented on Siebert's statement saying that Latvia would adhere to its policy aimed at joining NATO irrespective of the outcome of this year's summit. Diena