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

Latvia expresses comprehension about the decision by the United States and the United Kingdom to solve Iraq by military force. Latvia sees a solution of the crisis in co-operation between Iraq and the United Nations, it is said in the statement of the Latvian Foreign Affairs.

Latvia expresses comprehension about the decision by the United States and the United Kingdom to solve Iraq by military force. Latvia sees a solution of the crisis in co-operation between Iraq and the United Nations, it is said in the statement of the Latvian Foreign Affairs. Diena, Chas

Chaspublishes a statement by the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udalcov in which he expresses the Russias opinion about the use of military force in solving crisis with Iraq. He also points out differences between Latvian and Russian perception of methods to be used in conflict solution. Chas

The draft budget for 1999 does not provide funds for implementation of priorities in education sphere stated in the governmental declaration, for Latvia’s participation in the EU education programmes, and for acquiring of the state language. The draft budget does not include requested 142,000 Lats which are needed for the Latvian language courses for the teachers. Director of the Finance Department of the Ministry of Education Aldis Baumanis told

The draft budget for 1999 does not provide funds for implementation of priorities in education sphere stated in the governmental declaration, for Latvias participation in the EU education programmes, and for acquiring of the state language. The draft budget does not include requested 142,000 Lats which are needed for the Latvian language courses for the teachers. Director of the Finance Department of the Ministry of Education Aldis Baumanis told Diena that the funds will be found, because the Ministry cannot not teach the state language. Diena

The Fraction “

The Fraction For Equal Rights in United Latvia has sent a letter to the Minister of Education Janis Gaigals with a request to prolong the period for passing the Latvian language exam for teachers of the Russian schools until 1 September 1999. Otherwise, 448 teachers of which 75% have higher pedagogical education, will be dismissed on January 1. SM

The newspaper Baltic Times has awarded the title of the Person of the Year of Baltics to four people who have made an influence on events in the Baltic States in 1998. They are Andris Skele (leader of the People’s Party) , Vahur Kraft (President of the Estonian Central Bank), Valdas Adamkus (the Lithuanian President) and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Max van der Stoel.

The newspaper Baltic Times has awarded the title of the Person of the Year of Baltics to four people who have made an influence on events in the Baltic States in 1998. They are Andris Skele (leader of the Peoples Party) , Vahur Kraft (President of the Estonian Central Bank), Valdas Adamkus (the Lithuanian President) and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Max van der Stoel. Diena

Yesterday a Centre for Temporary Stay of Illegal Immigrants was opened in the Riga International Airport. It was a joint project of UNHCR and the Ministry of the Interior. The centre will be able to provide facilities for up to twenty persons for period up to five days.

Yesterday a Centre for Temporary Stay of Illegal Immigrants was opened in the Riga International Airport. It was a joint project of UNHCR and the Ministry of the Interior. The centre will be able to provide facilities for up to twenty persons for period up to five days. Diena, B&B

Brunis Rubess, Advisor in the National bank, analyses Latvia in the context of the future Europe. Speaking about political integration in Latvia, the author argues that the major task for Latvia in the next ten years is to consolidate the people of Latvia - the Latvians and other citizens of Latvia.

Brunis Rubess, Advisor in the National bank, analyses Latvia in the context of the future Europe. Speaking about political integration in Latvia, the author argues that the major task for Latvia in the next ten years is to consolidate the people of Latvia - the Latvians and other citizens of Latvia. Diena

The Saeima Legal Commission suggests to abolish the death penalty by 1 January 2001.

The Saeima Legal Commission suggests to abolish the death penalty by 1 January 2001. Jauna Avize

SM publishes an interview with the Head of the Migration Service of the Russian Federation Jury Bigarov who was on a three-day official visit to Latvia this week. The main issue discussed during the visit was prolongation of Agreement between Latvia and Russia on regulation of re-settlement issues and protection of rights of re-settlers. There were meetings with officials of the DCMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Labour Department to discuss the issues of the labour migration, illegal migration and voluntary return to Russia.

SM publishes an interview with the Head of the Migration Service of the Russian Federation Jury Bigarov who was on a three-day official visit to Latvia this week. The main issue discussed during the visit was prolongation of Agreement between Latvia and Russia on regulation of re-settlement issues and protection of rights of re-settlers. There were meetings with officials of the DCMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Labour Department to discuss the issues of the labour migration, illegal migration and voluntary return to Russia. SM