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

The Union of Social Democrats will object to several articles of the draft agreement between Prime Minister V.Kristopans and the Saeima faction of Social Democrats, prepared by the Chairwoman of LC faction K.Libane. The Chairman Social Democrats faction E.Baldzens said that they had no objections to 4/5 of this agreement. Rigas Balss (27.01.99)

During the first round of discussions the Prime Minister explained

During the first round of discussions the Prime Minister explained Social Democrats the principles of their future co-operation, and Social Democrats presented their draft agreement. For the time being both parties try to leave for them more rights and less obligations. Bizness & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

Answering to the question if the invitation of one

Answering to the question if the invitation of one Social Democrat would solve all the problems of the minority government, Social Democrat J.Adamsons said that Social Democrats would never give up the basic principles of their program but would try to reach compromises. It would be naive to hope that, just for being in the government, they would automatically sign all draft laws. G.Berzins from Peoples Party thinks that presence of Social Democrats would just prolong the term of being in the government for TB/LNNK and Latvijas Cels but would not solve problems in general. O.Denisov (For Human Rights in United Latvia) does not see any possibility that this could solve the government problems. J.Dobelis (TB/LNNK ) explains that they trust the Prime Minister, but every government has problems. And their faction support any attempt to strengthen the government. K.Leiskalns (LC) thinks that presence of one Social Democrat would not solve all problems. The fact of holding one minister post turns Social Democrats into a coalition partner. This could solve external problems but cause internal ones. Rigas Balss (27.01.99)