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

Although V.Kristopans has decided to ask the Saeima to vote on the new government on Thursday, he has no clear idea about the outcome of it, yet, because of

Although V.Kristopans has decided to ask the Saeima to vote on the new government on Thursday, he has no clear idea about the outcome of it, yet, because of TB/LNNK Council decision not to support participation of Social Democrats ministers in the government. At the present moment the coalition is formed by Latvijas Cels, TB/LNNK and New Party with 46 votes in the Parliament. Social Democrats decided yesterday to support the government of V.Kristopans, but the situation is not clear due to this TB/LNNK decision. When asked about the future of this government, A.Skele admitted a possibility that it could be affirmed but once again insisted that a minority government was not the best idea. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya

State President G.Ulmanis met with the new Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia D.J.Johnson. During this meeting G.Ulmanis acknowledged that there was still much to do to form an integrated society in Latvia. D.J.Johnson confirmed the readiness of OSCE to help Latvia in this respect.

State President G.Ulmanis met with the new Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia D.J.Johnson. During this meeting G.Ulmanis acknowledged that there was still much to do to form an integrated society in Latvia. D.J.Johnson confirmed the readiness of OSCE to help Latvia in this respect. Neatkariga, Diena

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia A.Andreyev, meeting with OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel, insisted that Latvia still had not given up the idea to smother the hope for changes that arose when the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were adopted. It had been proved by the adoption of amendments to the education law and the law on TV and radio. He stated that such steps could slow down the process of improvement of Russian - Latvian relations.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia A.Andreyev, meeting with OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel, insisted that Latvia still had not given up the idea to smother the hope for changes that arose when the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were adopted. It had been proved by the adoption of amendments to the education law and the law on TV and radio. He stated that such steps could slow down the process of improvement of Russian - Latvian relations. Neatkariga

Deputy Head of DCMA A.J.Lejins informed that due to inefficiency of Russian party was delayed the departure of Russian military servicemen serving at the Skrunda Radar Station. Decrees of departure have been issued to 11 from more than 130 personnel and their family members, but these 11 persons refuse to leave Latvia because no living conditions had been prepared for them in Russia. The DCMA will refrain from taking any radical steps, understanding the situation of these people, and admit a possibility that this issue could be solved on a higher level discussions.

Deputy Head of DCMA A.J.Lejins informed that due to inefficiency of Russian party was delayed the departure of Russian military servicemen serving at the Skrunda Radar Station. Decrees of departure have been issued to 11 from more than 130 personnel and their family members, but these 11 persons refuse to leave Latvia because no living conditions had been prepared for them in Russia. The DCMA will refrain from taking any radical steps, understanding the situation of these people, and admit a possibility that this issue could be solved on a higher level discussions. Neatkariga

Diena found put that Russian party had not requested for an extension of visas for these people, but Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs considered that these residence permits should be prolonged. MFA Press Secretary T.Baumanis informed that Ministry of Foreign Affairs would not take any steps because no request had been received from Russia. Russian party did not submit such a request even at the Skrunda Joined Committee meeting that took place on Tuesday.

On November 19 a Russian citizen requested a refugee status in Latvia at Rezekne Police office. This request has been sent for consideration to Riga Refugee Centre.

On November 19 a Russian citizen requested a refugee status in Latvia at Rezekne Police office. This request has been sent for consideration to Riga Refugee Centre. Neatkariga

The Mayor of Moscow Luzhkov promised to co-operate with those businessmen who supported

The Mayor of Moscow Luzhkov promised to co-operate with those businessmen who supported Peoples Harmony Party at the meeting with the representatives of this party. An official from Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterised this action of Peoples Harmony Party as immoral and harmful for relations between those two countries. Also representatives of the Saeima parties condemned this PHP activity. Diena, Jauna Avize, SM, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya

Chas writes about the

Chas writes about the PHP visit in more details.

Diena

commentator A.Ozolins writes about the influence of financial structures on two leading political parties of Latvia - commentator A.Ozolins writes about the influence of financial structures on two leading political parties of Latvia - TB/LNNKTB/LNNK and and Latvijas CelsLatvijas Cels and proves his statement with several facts. and proves his statement with several facts. N.Lebedeva gives the translation of articles written by the Head of the Latvian Language Training Program A.Priedite about the language situation in Latvia and supplements them with her personal comments.

N.Lebedeva gives the translation of articles written by the Head of the Latvian Language Training Program A.Priedite about the language situation in Latvia and supplements them with her personal comments. SM