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

Yesterday the Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats expressed an opinion that if the Government forming factions did not agree on the next Director General of the Privatisation Agency, it could be a reason for falling of the Government, the present coalition would have to form the next Cabinet of Ministers, exchanging the Prime Minister. According to Mr.Grinblats TB/LNNK still thinks that instead of J.Naglis the post should be given to a politically neutral person. Latvijas Cels wants to preserve their member J.Naglis but Peoples Party wants to replace him by their representative.

Yesterday the Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats expressed an opinion that if the Government forming factions did not agree on the next Director General of the Privatisation Agency, it could be a reason for falling of the Government, the present coalition would have to form the next Cabinet of Ministers, exchanging the Prime Minister. According to Mr.Grinblats TB/LNNK still thinks that instead of J.Naglis the post should be given to a politically neutral person. Latvijas Cels wants to preserve their member J.Naglis but Peoples Party wants to replace him by their representative. Neatkariga

After long discussions the serious discord in the New Party have been solved, and the Saeima faction will remain united. This statement was made by the Party’s Saeima faction leader S.Udre.

After long discussions the serious discord in the New Party have been solved, and the Saeima faction will remain united. This statement was made by the Partys Saeima faction leader S.Udre. Neatkariga, Diena, Respublika

Prime Minister A.Skele considers that there is no reason for instability of the Government and no need to discuss any other possible composition of it. He sad this in his interview to the Latvian Radio

Prime Minister A.Skele considers that there is no reason for instability of the Government and no need to discuss any other possible composition of it. He sad this in his interview to the Latvian Radio. Rigas Balss

State President V.V.Freiberga does not make any forecasts whether the announcements on the possible involvement of some Government representatives in paedophilia scandal could influence the stability of the Government. Also the fight for the post of the Privatisation Agency Director General’s could not influence it.

State President V.V.Freiberga does not make any forecasts whether the announcements on the possible involvement of some Government representatives in paedophilia scandal could influence the stability of the Government. Also the fight for the post of the Privatisation Agency Director Generals could not influence it. Neatkariga

The DCMA requested additional financing of 3230 Ls and support of local governments to solve the current most serious problem of exchanging non-citizen passports. DCMA officials have to visit persons who due to sickness or old age are not able to come to DCMA offices. The number of such persons could be about 1600 or 10% of all non-citizens at the age over 60.

The DCMA requested additional financing of 3230 Ls and support of local governments to solve the current most serious problem of exchanging non-citizen passports. DCMA officials have to visit persons who due to sickness or old age are not able to come to DCMA offices. The number of such persons could be about 1600 or 10% of all non-citizens at the age over 60. Neatkariga

Russian MP representing the block “Unity” N.Botka thinks that the victory of V.Putin at the presidential election in Russia could be in favour of Russian speakers in Latvia. He is sure that V.Putin will be elected the President of Russia, and in this case N.Botka is ready to be very active in supporting his compatriots in Latvia. And he hopes that Putin will change Russian policy concerning their compatriots outside Russia.

Russian MP representing the block Unity N.Botka thinks that the victory of V.Putin at the presidential election in Russia could be in favour of Russian speakers in Latvia. He is sure that V.Putin will be elected the President of Russia, and in this case N.Botka is ready to be very active in supporting his compatriots in Latvia. And he hopes that Putin will change Russian policy concerning their compatriots outside Russia. Vesti Segodnya

V.Popov in

V.Popov in Vesti Segodnya describes the discussion of integration problems financed by Soros Foundation Latvia. Among the 30 people present were Latvian MPs who were almost unanimous in their opinion about the role of the Russian language – if anybody loves it, that means this person does not love Latvia. And the majority of Latvian peoples minds have been clouded by these politicians.

S.Sudda, a permanent resident of Latvia, left the country for Israel to live with his wife and daughter. He even took Israeli citizenship. In May 1999 he returned to Latvia with two valid passports – Israelian and former USSR passport with a Residents Register stamp in it. So he went to Jurmala DCMA office to exchange his red passport assuming that as a holder of former USSR passport he is a Latvian non-citizen. In June he received a non-citizen passport and went to DCMA Central office to get a PRP. And it turned out that he should get the PRP in his Israelian passport but not to receive a non-citizen passport. As a result he was inflicted an administrative penalty for this. The next step was withdrawal of his non-citizen passport and an order to leave Latvia.

S.Sudda, a permanent resident of Latvia, left the country for Israel to live with his wife and daughter. He even took Israeli citizenship. In May 1999 he returned to Latvia with two valid passports – Israelian and former USSR passport with a Residents Register stamp in it. So he went to Jurmala DCMA office to exchange his red passport assuming that as a holder of former USSR passport he is a Latvian non-citizen. In June he received a non-citizen passport and went to DCMA Central office to get a PRP. And it turned out that he should get the PRP in his Israelian passport but not to receive a non-citizen passport. As a result he was inflicted an administrative penalty for this. The next step was withdrawal of his non-citizen passport and an order to leave Latvia. Vesti Segodnya