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

Forty-three deputies have signed a proposal to summon an extraordinary Saeima meting including in its agenda report of the Prime Minister G.Krasts’s report on government ‘s Action Plant to stabilise the economic situation in the country. It was the initiative of

Forty-three deputies have signed a proposal to summon an extraordinary Saeima meting including in its agenda report of the Prime Minister G.Krastss report on government ‘s Action Plant to stabilise the economic situation in the country. It was the initiative of Saimnieks. The draft project of expressing distrust to the government was not included in the agenda, but the opposition intends to propose it, said to Diena non-faction deputy J.Adamssons. Faction Latvijas Cels, representatives of which have signed the proposal to summon this extraordinary meeting, are considering a possibility to submit a draft decision to ask for a vote of confidence for the Prime Minister, if G.Krasts refuses to do it himself. Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Chas, SM

The Prime Minister G.Krasts refused such a possibility yesterday. The Saeima should decide on the vote of confidence for the whole government not just the Prime Minister, said his Press Secretary R.Melniks.

The Prime Minister G.Krasts refused such a possibility yesterday. The Saeima should decide on the vote of confidence for the whole government not just the Prime Minister, said his Press Secretary R.Melniks. Jauna Avize

Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe on its Monday meeting did not include in its extraordinary discussion the question, raised by Russia, on human rights violations in Latvia. But answering to the protests of Russia deputy S.Zotov, they decided to send a group of PACE observers to Latvia in the nearest future.

Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe on its Monday meeting did not include in its extraordinary discussion the question, raised by Russia, on human rights violations in Latvia. But answering to the protests of Russia deputy S.Zotov, they decided to send a group of PACE observers to Latvia in the nearest future. Diena, Neatkariga

During the meeting of Latvian and Lithuanian Presidents, Lithuanian State President V.Adamkus expressed his support to G.Ulmanis’s position concerning public integration in Latvia. Both Presidents also discussed Latvian - Russian relations. Answering to the press questions, G.Ulmanis said that at that time everything depended on the very Russia. Latvia had voiced its interest in an active dialogue several times, but a hostile attitude could be felt from Russian party.

During the meeting of Latvian and Lithuanian Presidents, Lithuanian State President V.Adamkus expressed his support to G.Ulmaniss position concerning public integration in Latvia. Both Presidents also discussed Latvian - Russian relations. Answering to the press questions, G.Ulmanis said that at that time everything depended on the very Russia. Latvia had voiced its interest in an active dialogue several times, but a hostile attitude could be felt from Russian party. Diena

Russian officials have started to demand Latvian drivers, willing to enter Russia, to have certified translations of their driver’s license. Although there was such a decision taken at the beginning of this year, it has been neglected so far. As the Deputy Head of Traffic Police A.Brolitis told

Russian officials have started to demand Latvian drivers, willing to enter Russia, to have certified translations of their drivers license. Although there was such a decision taken at the beginning of this year, it has been neglected so far. As the Deputy Head of Traffic Police A.Brolitis told Diena, no other country had demanded such a translation in there were included English symbols as it was in Latvian case. Diena, Neatkariga

Many newspapers have published the Manifest of the new Popular Party lead by the former Prime Minister A.Skele and the list of its supporters (about 280 people).

Many newspapers have published the Manifest of the new Popular Party lead by the former Prime Minister A.Skele and the list of its supporters (about 280 people). Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Bizness & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

European institutions did not intend make their demands to Latvia concerning amendments to the Law on Citizenship stricter due to Russian pressure. This was said to the Saeima Secretary I.Berzins during his meeting with the Head of Baltic Department of British MFA Mr. S.Page. During this meeting both officials have mostly discussed Latvian - Russia relations. Mr. Page also reminded that EU through GB as its presiding country had appealed to Russia to establish constructive relations with Latvia. I.Berzins and S.Page also discussed the amendments to the Latvian Law on Citizenship, and Mr. Page agreed with I. Berzins’s opinion that the beginning of talks with Latvia on its joining EU would be a signal to non-Latvians furthering their integration in Latvia.

European institutions did not intend make their demands to Latvia concerning amendments to the Law on Citizenship stricter due to Russian pressure. This was said to the Saeima Secretary I.Berzins during his meeting with the Head of Baltic Department of British MFA Mr. S.Page. During this meeting both officials have mostly discussed Latvian - Russia relations. Mr. Page also reminded that EU through GB as its presiding country had appealed to Russia to establish constructive relations with Latvia. I.Berzins and S.Page also discussed the amendments to the Latvian Law on Citizenship, and Mr. Page agreed with I. Berzinss opinion that the beginning of talks with Latvia on its joining EU would be a signal to non-Latvians furthering their integration in Latvia. Diena

Russian politicians were united in their negative attitude towards Latvia and there was no hope for improvements of the relations with Latvia, informed the Head of the Saeima European Affairs Commission E.Inkens and Deputy Speaker of the Saeima A.Ameriks. Last weekend they participated in an international conference “Architecture of a new, secure Europe and NATO”. There they have met with high Russian politicians - Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov and his deputy A.Avdeyev. Those two Russian officials had different opinions on possibilities how those relations could be improved. Primakov had insisted that the main precondition was to observe international norms of human rights and particularly - amending the Law on Citizenship according to OSCE recommendations and pointed out that there were no officially adopted documents proving that Russia imposed economic sanctions against Latvia. According to Inkens such documents existed, they were just to be signed by Russian government.

Russian politicians were united in their negative attitude towards Latvia and there was no hope for improvements of the relations with Latvia, informed the Head of the Saeima European Affairs Commission E.Inkens and Deputy Speaker of the Saeima A.Ameriks. Last weekend they participated in an international conference Architecture of a new, secure Europe and NATO. There they have met with high Russian politicians - Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov and his deputy A.Avdeyev. Those two Russian officials had different opinions on possibilities how those relations could be improved. Primakov had insisted that the main precondition was to observe international norms of human rights and particularly - amending the Law on Citizenship according to OSCE recommendations and pointed out that there were no officially adopted documents proving that Russia imposed economic sanctions against Latvia. According to Inkens such documents existed, they were just to be signed by Russian government. Jauna Avize, Bizness & Baltiya