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

Yesterday President Ulmanis officially opened the first meeting of the new government. He asked the ministers to “give up cheap populist claims” for rising of popularity of some parties and politicians, but to work as a team. Prime-Minister Krasts expressed a hope that this government would be the last one before the next Saeima elections.

Yesterday President Ulmanis officially opened the first meeting of the new government. He asked the ministers to give up cheap populist claims for rising of popularity of some parties and politicians, but to work as a team. Prime-Minister Krasts expressed a hope that this government would be the last one before the next Saeima elections. Diena

After his return from the USA President Ulmanis told journalists that a charter between the United States and Baltic countries could be signed at the end of this year. According to Ulmanis, the text of this document is almost ready, and the presidents of all Baltic countries should agree on the exact time when the charter could be signed. In August the Latvian delegation will meet with American representatives in Washington to discuss the charter.

After his return from the USA President Ulmanis told journalists that a charter between the United States and Baltic countries could be signed at the end of this year. According to Ulmanis, the text of this document is almost ready, and the presidents of all Baltic countries should agree on the exact time when the charter could be signed. In August the Latvian delegation will meet with American representatives in Washington to discuss the charter.

Janis Vaivads, Director of the European Integration Bureau, told DIENA that the Latvian memorandum to the European Commission that includes Latvia’s response to the EC report, will be discussed by the Cabinet next week.

Janis Vaivads, Director of the European Integration Bureau, told DIENA that the Latvian memorandum to the European Commission that includes Latvias response to the EC report, will be discussed by the Cabinet next week. B&B

Valerie Nesterushkin, Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that a delimitation map of the Russian-Latvian border would be ready at the end of September.

Valerie Nesterushkin, Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that a delimitation map of the Russian-Latvian border would be ready at the end of September. Neatkariga

BIZNES I BALTYA publishes an article in which its author tells about her personal experience with the naturalization examinations. According to the author, the exams are not as difficult as people used to think.

BIZNES I BALTYA publishes an article in which its author tells about her personal experience with the naturalization examinations. According to the author, the exams are not as difficult as people used to think.

DIENA asked several Latvian politicians to express their opinion about the Citizenship Law that was passed by the Saeima three years ago. Among the respondents are Minister of Justice Dzintars Rasnacs and Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers. The majority noted that the Law was a compromise. All respondents said that they did not expect changes in the Citizenship Law during the term of the present government.

DIENA asked several Latvian politicians to express their opinion about the Citizenship Law that was passed by the Saeima three years ago. Among the respondents are Minister of Justice Dzintars Rasnacs and Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers. The majority noted that the Law was a compromise. All respondents said that they did not expect changes in the Citizenship Law during the term of the present government. Diena

Dienapublishes a story of a daughter of a military pensioner who is waiting for her non-citizen passport. It appears that a relationship with a former USSR military person might be an obstacle to a faster processing of the documents.

Diena continues to publish information about the naturalization exams. This time there is an article on the Latvian history exam. Lilita Danga, Chair of the Methodical Department of the Naturalization Board, informs that 95% of persons who take the exam, pass it.