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 Report

Press Report

The ruling coalition parties denied the published in

The ruling coalition parties denied the published in Bizness & Baltiya information that there was planned a promotion of the Minister of Communications A.Gorbunovs to the post of a Deputy Prime Minister and his present post could be taken by G.Berzins from Peoples Party. A.Gorbunovs himself refused this idea. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

The Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission do not support the proposal to increase the minimal number of party members up to 1000. The Commission, discussing the law “On Public Organisations and their Unions” returned for the second consideration by the President, decided to respect the opinion of the President and proposed to keep the present minimal number of party members – 200.

The Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission do not support the proposal to increase the minimal number of party members up to 1000. The Commission, discussing the law On Public Organisations and their Unions returned for the second consideration by the President, decided to respect the opinion of the President and proposed to keep the present minimal number of party members – 200. Neatkariga

Next week, within the framework of the planned discussion of the project North Dimensions, a meeting of Latvian and Russian Ministers of Foreign Affairs could take place. Although the invitation to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit Latvia is still valid, Latvian party has expressed a wish for a short conversation in Helsinki. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins said that Latvia and Russia could have many things in common in the projects of North Dimensions. Speaking about the relations between both countries, I.Berzins said that Latvian MFA was carefully studying Russia’s concept of the world’s structure in the 21st century, submitted to the Ministry by the Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov.

Next week, within the framework of the planned discussion of the project North Dimensions, a meeting of Latvian and Russian Ministers of Foreign Affairs could take place. Although the invitation to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit Latvia is still valid, Latvian party has expressed a wish for a short conversation in Helsinki. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins said that Latvia and Russia could have many things in common in the projects of North Dimensions. Speaking about the relations between both countries, I.Berzins said that Latvian MFA was carefully studying Russias concept of the worlds structure in the 21st century, submitted to the Ministry by the Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov. Neatkariga

This autumn the US Government finished the buildings construction program for former Russian military serviceman in the Baltic States. The program was completed but one building complex in Kursk which was not constructed due to some juridical problems. According to Latvian MFA information, there are still 4 military servicemen who claimed an apartment in Kursk, and MFA addressed the Russian Embassy to submit proposals how to solve this problem. The residence permits of these people have been prolonged for several times, the last time by December 31, 1999. DCMA Supervision Department Head J.Rudzats told Diena that along with those 4 people there could be about 20 retired militaries who had not left Latvia or at least had not drawn up the necessary documents. All people employed in Skrunda had left but those who had a legal possibility to stay. It was possible that some persons stayed in the country illegally, but the DCMA had no information about them.

This autumn the US Government finished the buildings construction program for former Russian military serviceman in the Baltic States. The program was completed but one building complex in Kursk which was not constructed due to some juridical problems. According to Latvian MFA information, there are still 4 military servicemen who claimed an apartment in Kursk, and MFA addressed the Russian Embassy to submit proposals how to solve this problem. The residence permits of these people have been prolonged for several times, the last time by December 31, 1999. DCMA Supervision Department Head J.Rudzats told Diena that along with those 4 people there could be about 20 retired militaries who had not left Latvia or at least had not drawn up the necessary documents. All people employed in Skrunda had left but those who had a legal possibility to stay. It was possible that some persons stayed in the country illegally, but the DCMA had no information about them. Diena

Deputy A.Seiksts was one of the first visitors of the newly opened UN Information centre in Old Riga. At the new centre state officials, public organisations, students, teachers and all interested will be able to obtain information on maintaining international peace, equality of sexes, poverty, social integration, human rights, etc.

Deputy A.Seiksts was one of the first visitors of the newly opened UN Information centre in Old Riga. At the new centre state officials, public organisations, students, teachers and all interested will be able to obtain information on maintaining international peace, equality of sexes, poverty, social integration, human rights, etc. Jauna Avize

As the Socialist Party of Latvia refused to organise their event, dedicated to the anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, at some other site but not in the City centre, Liepaja City Council forbid to organise this rally.

As the Socialist Party of Latvia refused to organise their event, dedicated to the anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, at some other site but not in the City centre, Liepaja City Council forbid to organise this rally. Panorama Latvii