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

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima supported Robert Zile's ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") candidature for Minister of Finance and Aija Poca's ("Latvijas Cels") candidature for State Minister for State Revenues. Sixty-eight deputies voted for the candidates with four (two socialists and two Zigerist's party members) voting against Zile and Poca. Roberts Zile held the post of Chairman of the Saeima Budget Committee in the previous Cabinet. Diena, B&B

Russian Deputy Prime-Minister Valery Serov arrived yesterday to Latvia to discuss the work and the prospects of the Latvian-Russian Government Committee. Its aim is to resolve problems of vital importance to both countries. Mr. Serov heads the Russian side in the Committee while the Latvian side is headed by Deputy Prime-Minister Gorbunovs. Mr. Serov will also meet Prime-Minister Skele, Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and President Ulmanis. Valery Serov is Head of the Government Committee for the Affairs of Compatriots Abroad (for detailed information on the recent meeting of the Committee see the press-report of February 26). According to

Russian Deputy Prime-Minister Valery Serov arrived yesterday to Latvia to discuss the work and the prospects of the Latvian-Russian Government Committee. Its aim is to resolve problems of vital importance to both countries. Mr. Serov heads the Russian side in the Committee while the Latvian side is headed by Deputy Prime-Minister Gorbunovs. Mr. Serov will also meet Prime-Minister Skele, Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and President Ulmanis. Valery Serov is Head of the Government Committee for the Affairs of Compatriots Abroad (for detailed information on the recent meeting of the Committee see the press-report of February 26). According to "BIZNES I BALTIYA", the agenda of the meeting of Prime-Minister Skele with Deputy Prime-Minister Serov included the exchange of opinions on the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. The Russian side focused on social and humanitarian issues. Yesterday Mr. Serov had a meeting with representatives of Russian-speakers' organizations. Diena, B&B

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima voted against passing draft amendments to the Citizenship Law to the Committees. The amendments were submitted by "Saimnieks" and by Socialist and "People's Harmony" deputies. "Saimnieks" suggested granting the right for extraordinary naturalization to ethnic Poles. Draft amendments by Socialists and "People's Harmony" cancel the "window mechanism" and give all Latvia's residents the right to undergo naturalization irrespective of their age. According to V.Dozortsev ("People's Harmony"), President Ulmanis also spoke in favor of canceling the "window mechanism." SM, B&B