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 Chairman of

The Chairman of Peoples Party faction G.Berzins has decided to do the duties of the PP Secretary General only till the middle of January. The reason for this decision is that the main task of partys Secretary General will be preparation for municipal election, be he as the chairman of the faction has no time for it. Neatkariga

Lithuanian President V.Adamkus has signed a decree on appointing P.Vaitekun to the post of Lithuanian Ambassador to Latvia.

Lithuanian President V.Adamkus has signed a decree on appointing P.Vaitekun to the post of Lithuanian Ambassador to Latvia. Neatkariga

The Chairman of the

The Chairman of the Social Democrats Saeima faction E.Baldzens assured that the Union of Social Democrats had not received the promised draft budget, and therefore they were not able to study it in details an prepare their recommendations. Neatkariga

Prime Minister V.Kristopans entrusted the Minister of Environment and Regional Development V.Balodis to undertake the duties of the Minister of Agriculture.

Prime Minister V.Kristopans entrusted the Minister of Environment and Regional Development V.Balodis to undertake the duties of the Minister of Agriculture. Diena, Jauna Avize, Bizness & Baltiya

Lingering of

Lingering of TB/LNNK to voice their position concerning Social Democrats was the reason for the announcement made by LC Chairman A.Pantelejevs that a part of Peoples Party deputies could replace TB/LNNK in the government. The Secretary General of PP G.Berzins rejected a possibility that even a part of PP members could participate in the government of V.Kristopans. TB/LNNK Deputy Chairman J.Straume evaluated the announcement of A.Pantelejevs as an attempt to divert attention from other problems. Diena, Jauna Avize

Russian Vice-Prime Minister V.Bulgak informed the Minister of Communications A.Gorbunovs over the phone that Russia was ready to reconsider railway tariffs for transporting freight and to introduce easements. The Saeima deputy J.Urbanovics, who represents left-wing parties, informed

Russian Vice-Prime Minister V.Bulgak informed the Minister of Communications A.Gorbunovs over the phone that Russia was ready to reconsider railway tariffs for transporting freight and to introduce easements. The Saeima deputy J.Urbanovics, who represents left-wing parties, informed Diena that the delegation of these parties lobbied this decision last week in Moscow. Diena

To improve co-operation among the NHRO and regional Human Rights centres, it is planned to establish a NGO Consultative Council next year. This agreement was achieved among the Director of NHRO O.Bruveris and representatives of regional Human Rights centres from Liepaja, Talsi, Cesis, Daugavpils and other Latvian towns.

To improve co-operation among the NHRO and regional Human Rights centres, it is planned to establish a NGO Consultative Council next year. This agreement was achieved among the Director of NHRO O.Bruveris and representatives of regional Human Rights centres from Liepaja, Talsi, Cesis, Daugavpils and other Latvian towns. Jauna Avize

The leader of

The leader of New Party R.Pauls has made a decision not to run for the next presidency. Jauna Avize

Lauku Avize

publishes a large interview with TB/LNNK Deputy Chairman J.Dobelis where he analyses their attitude towards publishes a large interview with TB/LNNK Deputy Chairman J.Dobelis where he analyses their attitude towards Social DemocratsSocial Democrats. . Russian version of

Russian version of Diena interviews the Chairman of the Union of Russian Entrepreneurs Arkady Volsky about the economic situation in Russia and their business plans with the Baltic states.

Panorama Latvii

writes about one more positive side of naturalisation - larger pensions for citizens. When calculating the amount of pensions for Latvian citizens, all the length of service is included in the calculation, disregarding the place of work; for non-citizens - they exclude the time of working outside Latvia. writes about one more positive side of naturalisation - larger pensions for citizens. When calculating the amount of pensions for Latvian citizens, all the length of service is included in the calculation, disregarding the place of work; for non-citizens - they exclude the time of working outside Latvia.

Panorama Latvii

also writes about the visa regime in Latvia and the institutions involved in this. also writes about the visa regime in Latvia and the institutions involved in this. A Latvian language teacher for Russian speaking people has written a letter to

A Latvian language teacher for Russian speaking people has written a letter to Panorama Latvii calling those Russian speakers who have problems with learning this language to move to the USA. She states that Russian speakers living in Latvia are not Russians because real Russians live in Russia and solve their problems. People living here are migrants, and migrants have a right to seek for a better life. Panorama Latvii

In his interview to

In his interview to Panorama Latvii the leader of Peoples Harmony Party A.Jurkans speaks about his decision to form a political party, his politicial life, PHP visits to Moscow and relations with Y.Luzhkov.