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

On Tuesday President V.V.Freiberga will either announce the next Prime Minister or explain her reasons for lingering. Today she has planned meetings with two possible candidates to the post of Prime Minister – A.Poca and A.Berzins. Respecting the call of V.V.Freiberga to reduce the influence of economic groups on policy, Latvijas Cels in the draft Government declarations points out their readiness to form a government free from political bargaining.

On Tuesday President V.V.Freiberga will either announce the next Prime Minister or explain her reasons for lingering. Today she has planned meetings with two possible candidates to the post of Prime Minister – A.Poca and A.Berzins. Respecting the call of V.V.Freiberga to reduce the influence of economic groups on policy, Latvijas Cels in the draft Government declarations points out their readiness to form a government free from political bargaining. Diena, Neatkariga,Chas Vesti Segodnya

Respublika writes that the President will be forced to name the candidate today otherwise she would limit her chance to be elected for the second time and leave the country without a PM until May 4, the Independence Declaration Day anniversary.

Respublika writes that the President will be forced to name the candidate today otherwise she would limit her chance to be elected for the second time and leave the country without a PM until May 4, the Independence Declaration Day anniversary.

On Monday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins had an unofficial meeting with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs T.Ilvess who came to Riga to meet with Estonian Ambassadors residing in Eastern Europe. During the meeting of both Foreign Ministers were discussed bilateral relations and political events in Russia.

On Monday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins had an unofficial meeting with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs T.Ilvess who came to Riga to meet with Estonian Ambassadors residing in Eastern Europe. During the meeting of both Foreign Ministers were discussed bilateral relations and political events in Russia. Diena

Last Thursday Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss was invited to the Russian MFA and informed that Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov was not allowed to meet with red guerrilla man V.Kononov.

Last Thursday Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss was invited to the Russian MFA and informed that Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov was not allowed to meet with red guerrilla man V.Kononov. Diena

An organisation Baltic Forum was established to further Latvian and Russian political dialog. The Chairman N.Neilands said that the goal of this organisation was to assist in eliminating the vacuum of political dialog between Russia and Latvia. The major project of the Forum will take place in June – a conference "Latvia – Russia in united Europe in the XXI century. Who are we: friends, enemies or partners."

An organisation Baltic Forum was established to further Latvian and Russian political dialog. The Chairman N.Neilands said that the goal of this organisation was to assist in eliminating the vacuum of political dialog between Russia and Latvia. The major project of the Forum will take place in June – a conference "Latvia – Russia in united Europe in the XXI century. Who are we: friends, enemies or partners." Diena, Respublika

Former Latvian President G.Ulmanis called the former Prime Minister A.Skele not to work in the new Government. G.Ulmanis acknowledged that A.Skele had disappointed him. In a TV show he said that this was the worst and most difficult governmental crisis since 1993.

Former Latvian President G.Ulmanis called the former Prime Minister A.Skele not to work in the new Government. G.Ulmanis acknowledged that A.Skele had disappointed him. In a TV show he said that this was the worst and most difficult governmental crisis since 1993. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

People's Party representatives have just an opposite opinion. Dz.Abikis said that A.Skele was a man of action and therefore many did not like him. According to Abikis, Skele had to continue working in the Government. Also A.Kirsteins, A.Slakteris and J.Lagzdins had the same opinion.

Lauku Avize The four potential government coalition parties have to agree on the conceptual basis of governmental declaration. It seems that this declaration will differ from the previous one. According to Latvijas Cels , there will be restored the Coalition Council - institution that did not operate during A.Skele's time. In the draft declaration, prepared by Latvijas Cels, there are stipulated principles of proportionality, succession and solidarity of responsibility. In the Council decisions will be taken according to the principle of majority.

The four potential government coalition parties have to agree on the conceptual basis of governmental declaration. It seems that this declaration will differ from the previous one. According to Latvijas Cels , there will be restored the Coalition Council - institution that did not operate during A.Skele's time. In the draft declaration, prepared by Latvijas Cels, there are stipulated principles of proportionality, succession and solidarity of responsibility. In the Council decisions will be taken according to the principle of majority. Respublika

Latvian and Russian press differ both in the content and tonality. This conclusion was made by N.Muiznieks, Director of the Human Rights and Ethnic problems Centre. He had prepared a research "Minorities and Media in Latvia". In Latvia one can not speak about a Russian community but about a Russian speaking community. Because 23% of all non-citizens do not pay any attentions to such an issue as ethnic belonging. And Russian mass media may not be called the minority media.

Latvian and Russian press differ both in the content and tonality. This conclusion was made by N.Muiznieks, Director of the Human Rights and Ethnic problems Centre. He had prepared a research "Minorities and Media in Latvia". In Latvia one can not speak about a Russian community but about a Russian speaking community. Because 23% of all non-citizens do not pay any attentions to such an issue as ethnic belonging. And Russian mass media may not be called the minority media. Respublika

In Venspils has established the Consultative Council on Non-citizens Affairs within the framework of Integration Program, developed by the Municipality. The Chairwoman V.Shengelia told the newspaper Chas about the work of the Council. It has the status of a municipal commission. The tasks are to be involved in the integration process, come with their own ideas, and enrich the program with their activities. In reality the Council is a mediator between the residents and City Council in solving different issues.

Chas

On May 1 human rights activists plan to start a mass campaign of collecting signatures under the address to UN and CoE with an aim to make Latvia to ratify the framework convention on protection of national minorities rights. But representatives of several public organisations have already collected more than 15 000 signatures. Vesti Segodnya

On April 21 was detained a group of activists, collecting signatures under this address. According to the organisers of this action hundreds of Riga residents supported them and signed, only a few were against and called police. The activists were brought to a police office and a report drawn up for holding an unsanctioned meeting.

On April 21 was detained a group of activists, collecting signatures under this address. According to the organisers of this action hundreds of Riga residents supported them and signed, only a few were against and called police. The activists were brought to a police office and a report drawn up for holding an unsanctioned meeting. Chas