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

Saeima

deputies Andris Saulitis and Janis Strods left thedeputies Andris Saulitis and Janis Strods left the "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" faction. The two deputies object to faction. The two deputies object to "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" policy directed at changing the election system. Amendments to the Law on the Election of the policy directed at changing the election system. Amendments to the Law on the Election of the SaeimaSaeima suggested by suggested by "Saimnieks""Saimnieks", , "Tevzemei un Brivibai""Tevzemei un Brivibai" and and "Latvijas Cels" "Latvijas Cels" restrict the right of deputies to change their faction membership. restrict the right of deputies to change their faction membership. DienaDiena

"Tevzemei un Brivibai"

warned warned "Latviajs Cels" "Latviajs Cels", , "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" and Prime-Minister Skele against supporting Olaphs Bruveris' candidature for Director of the Human Rights Office. and Prime-Minister Skele against supporting Olaphs Bruveris' candidature for Director of the Human Rights Office. "TB" "TB" believes that Bruveris' appointment would jeopardize the stability of the Cabinet. The agreement between the governing factions allows believes that Bruveris' appointment would jeopardize the stability of the Cabinet. The agreement between the governing factions allows "TB" "TB" to insist on not appointing Mr. Bruveris. It requires the support of Bruveris by not less than four factions constituting not less than three fifths of the governing coalition deputies. to insist on not appointing Mr. Bruveris. It requires the support of Bruveris by not less than four factions constituting not less than three fifths of the governing coalition deputies. "DIENA""DIENA" journalist Sandris Tocs believes that provisions of the agreement on citizenship, naturalization and related issues threaten the stability of the current Government. journalist Sandris Tocs believes that provisions of the agreement on citizenship, naturalization and related issues threaten the stability of the current Government. "TB""TB" expects the Director of the Office to be engaged in counter-propaganda countering Russia's accusations of violating the rights of non-citizens. The party criticized Mr. Bruveris for paying too much attention to the problem of non-citizens and criticizing "nationally minded" politicians. Antons Seiksts, currently Head of the expects the Director of the Office to be engaged in counter-propaganda countering Russia's accusations of violating the rights of non-citizens. The party criticized Mr. Bruveris for paying too much attention to the problem of non-citizens and criticizing "nationally minded" politicians. Antons Seiksts, currently Head of the SaeimaSaeima Human Rights Committee, would be welcomed by Human Rights Committee, would be welcomed by "TB" "TB" as a candidate for Director of the Office. According to Sandris Tocs, he has "a vague idea of human rights" and has proved able to find common grounds with nationalists. as a candidate for Director of the Office. According to Sandris Tocs, he has "a vague idea of human rights" and has proved able to find common grounds with nationalists. Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee Dzintars Abikis says that Russian schools are being closed due to a decreasing number of Russian-speakers. In an interview for "SM SEVODNYA" Mr. Abikis says that the number of Russian-speakers in the country has decreased by more than one hundred thousand. Another reason for closing Russian schools is a growing demand for education in Latvian among Russian-speaking and mixed families. Mr. Abikis says that he does not agree with the draft Education Law that provides for closing all state-financed Russian schools by 2005. He believes it to be wiser to teach 50% of subjects in the Latvian language. Still, the Head of the Saeima education Committee opposes the idea of establishing a branch of the Moscow State University in Riga.

Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins (

Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins ("Saimnieks") in an interview for "SM" said that he would adhere to the Hague Recommendations in his activities. He supports state-financed secondary education for national minorities. Mr. Celmins believes that national minorities should have an opportunity to study and develop their culture and that special programs should be developed for each minority.