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

The leader of

The leader of Democratic Party Saimnieks Z.Cevers announced at the DPS Board meeting yesterday about his decision to leave the post of the party chairman. Also notorious entrepreneurs A.Melniks and A.Kaza have decided to leave the party. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya (12.10.98)

At least three government coalition formation models were discussed at party consultations.

At least three government coalition formation models were discussed at party consultations. Social Democrats have expressed their willingness to support a government led by V.Kristopans even without receiving any minister post, and the most likely model at this moment seems the coalition including Latvijas Cels, Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK, New Party and Social Democrats. There is still a possibility that Latvijas Cels could come to an agreement with Peoples Party , then there could be two possible models - LC, PP, TB/LNNK and NP or LC, PP and NP would form a government without TB/LNNK. Neatkariga, Bizness & Baltiya

The candidate to the post of the Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced on Friday that there was no way to form the government without

The candidate to the post of the Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced on Friday that there was no way to form the government without Latvijas Cels therefore this party would not give up the post of the Prime Minister . Peoples Party have submitted their proposals to other major parties, and they would be evaluated at the board meetings of these parties. V.Kristopans also told the press that they were still working on forming a minority government. It would not be so bad because it is very dangerous when in the opposition there are only left wing parties, said V.Kristopans. The leader of Peoples Party A.Skele found the discussions to be constructive. The most important thing, according to him, is to come to an agreement what the coalition would be like, and only when the structure of it were clear one could start working on declaration, but it was not clear what government would prepare this declaration. Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Diena

publishes the list of 83 Saeima deputies according to unofficial election result because the Central Election commission is still working on it , and plans to announce the official list only next week. publishes the list of 83 Saeima deputies according to unofficial election result because the Central Election commission is still working on it , and plans to announce the official list only next week. Although the referendum on amendments to the Law on Citizenship is over, the most radical parties continue to explain it from their point of view. TB/LNNK still considers that Latvians were for abolishing the amendments, but

Although the referendum on amendments to the Law on Citizenship is over, the most radical parties continue to explain it from their point of view. TB/LNNK still considers that Latvians were for abolishing the amendments, but Peoples Harmony Party thinks that the achieved result w as due to their campaign. The truth is somewhere in the middle. And one can not say that PHP had advertised their position very actively. The outcome of the referendum should be taken at it is, and people should not be divided according their choice made during this referendum. Many opponents of the amendments are worried by the success of Peoples Harmony Party, and they wonder whether these amendments would not cause essential changes in the electorate, strengthening the positions of the left wing parties. These 18 000 children will come to the election polls in 2010, and none can predict what their positions will be. Rigas Balss

Two high Russian officials - V.Lukin, the Chairman of Russian Duma Commission on Foreign Affairs, and V.Jakovlev, the Governor of Sankt-Petersburg, announced yesterday to the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs during their meeting that they wanted to visit Latvia. V.Jakovlev pointed out the positive outcome of the referendum and stressed the necessity of further development of the dialogue between Russia and Latvia.

Two high Russian officials - V.Lukin, the Chairman of Russian Duma Commission on Foreign Affairs, and V.Jakovlev, the Governor of Sankt-Petersburg, announced yesterday to the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs during their meeting that they wanted to visit Latvia. V.Jakovlev pointed out the positive outcome of the referendum and stressed the necessity of further development of the dialogue between Russia and Latvia. Chas, Diena