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

The report by the European Commission recognizes Latvia's progress in the forming of market economy and developing democratic institutions. Still, according to the report, Latvia would find it difficult to withstand competition within the EU. The report points at the necessity to accelerate the naturalization process. The document also recommends to reduce the number of differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. Among the restrictions of non-citizens' rights the European Commission mentions employment restrictions and recommends granting non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. The report also points at the low efficiency of the Latvian legislation and at insufficient privatization. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins at a press-conference noted that some of the information used for the report (inflation rate, the state budget, etc.) was outdated.

The report by the European Commission recognizes Latvia's progress in the forming of market economy and developing democratic institutions. Still, according to the report, Latvia would find it difficult to withstand competition within the EU. The report points at the necessity to accelerate the naturalization process. The document also recommends to reduce the number of differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. Among the restrictions of non-citizens' rights the European Commission mentions employment restrictions and recommends granting non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. The report also points at the low efficiency of the Latvian legislation and at insufficient privatization. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins at a press-conference noted that some of the information used for the report (inflation rate, the state budget, etc.) was outdated. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele returned yesterday from his summer vacations. Mr. Skele told

Prime-Minister Skele returned yesterday from his summer vacations. Mr. Skele told "DIENA" that he would not exclude the possibility of resignation of the Cabinet. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK, "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels" representatives also believe that the Cabinet could resign. The Government crisis could be caused by Minister of Communications Kristopans' dismissal. "LC" has already threatened to take political steps that would "affect the Cabinet" if the Minister was dismissed. The Prime-Minister has not made any statements on Mr. Kristopans' dismissal yet. Still, the parties whose members have already been dismissed are likely to protest against the Minister of Communications retaining his post after the Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that the Minister had violated the Anti-Corruption Law. "TB"/LNNK, "Saimnieks" and "LC" already held consultations on joint steps to be taken in case of a Government crisis. The most probable candidate for the Prime-Minister's office, according to Mr. Grinblats ("TB"), is current Riga Mayor Andris Berzins ("LC"). "TB" would nominate Mr. Guntars Krasts, currently Minister of Economics, in case "LC" chooses to retain the post of Riga Mayor. Diena, Neatkariga