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

Contrary to the opinion of the union Latvijas Cels and the majority of the Saeima Prime Minister A.Berzins supports the idea to grant municipal election right to non-citizens and is sure that the Saeima will have to return to this question some time later.

Contrary to the opinion of the union Latvijas Cels and the majority of the Saeima Prime Minister A.Berzins supports the idea to grant municipal election right to non-citizens and is sure that the Saeima will have to return to this question some time later. Diena

On Thursday the Saeima adopted amendments to the law on festivity and commemoration days. June 17 will be the Occupation Day of the Republic of Latvia, and on this day national flags have to be hanged out with a black ribbon. September 22 will be the Union Day of Balts in honour to the Sun Battle that took place in 1236.

On Thursday the Saeima adopted amendments to the law on festivity and commemoration days. June 17 will be the Occupation Day of the Republic of Latvia, and on this day national flags have to be hanged out with a black ribbon. September 22 will be the Union Day of Balts in honour to the Sun Battle that took place in 1236. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvian Prime Minister received a letter of congratulation from Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov. The letter was handed over by Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov. During the discussion both officials came to the traditional conclusion that it was necessary to improve and promote relations between booth countries. A.Berzins called to renew activities of the Intergovernmental Commission.

Latvian Prime Minister received a letter of congratulation from Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov. The letter was handed over by Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov. During the discussion both officials came to the traditional conclusion that it was necessary to improve and promote relations between booth countries. A.Berzins called to renew activities of the Intergovernmental Commission. Diena

A.Berzins sent similar letter to his Russian colleague.

A.Berzins sent similar letter to his Russian colleague. Panorama Latvii

National Radio and TV Council demands the TV station TV 3 Latvia to improve their program by including more original TV shows in the Latvian language. Only after these demands are fulfilled the Council will decide whether to grant TV 3 national broadcasting right. This decision is very important for the station because the amounts of possible investments depend on it.

National Radio and TV Council demands the TV station TV 3 Latvia to improve their program by including more original TV shows in the Latvian language. Only after these demands are fulfilled the Council will decide whether to grant TV 3 national broadcasting right. This decision is very important for the station because the amounts of possible investments depend on it. Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

Journalist V.Avotins considers that People’s Party activities prove that the Party tries to preserve its leading role in the top echelons of power. Combining the present influence in the Government with a possible successful offensive in redistributing seats in the Saeima one will be able to say that the main task of Prime Minister A.Berzins is to create an image but not to lead the Government. One of the main instruments for People’s Party to manipulate with the Government is the State Budget now with the new Finance Minister G.Berzins.

Journalist V.Avotins considers that Peoples Party activities prove that the Party tries to preserve its leading role in the top echelons of power. Combining the present influence in the Government with a possible successful offensive in redistributing seats in the Saeima one will be able to say that the main task of Prime Minister A.Berzins is to create an image but not to lead the Government. One of the main instruments for Peoples Party to manipulate with the Government is the State Budget now with the new Finance Minister G.Berzins. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnya writes that patience of the international society is running low, even for Latvian allies. If Latvian authorities still linger with sentencing K.Kalejs and K.Ozols, they will face serious trouble. Yesterday the League against Xenophobia came forth with a severe criticism on Latvian authorities. Leagues representative E.Velless announced that during 10 years of independence Latvia did not investigate any case concerning Nazi collaborationists, guilty of executing peaceful population. Also the Director of an American right protection organisation Union of Councils L.Stonov criticised the situation in Latvia.

A.Voroncov analyses the image and public relations activities of Latvian President V.V.Freiberga. The main task of any president is to “sell” his/her country within and outside this country. If V.V.Freiberga is doing OK abroad with her Western education, charm and knowledge of languages, then inside Latvia it is a bit different. In principle the President has to unite the society around common values, inspire in people belief that the state exists for them but not vice a versa. But the President fails in this.

A.Voroncov analyses the image and public relations activities of Latvian President V.V.Freiberga. The main task of any president is to sell his/her country within and outside this country. If V.V.Freiberga is doing OK abroad with her Western education, charm and knowledge of languages, then inside Latvia it is a bit different. In principle the President has to unite the society around common values, inspire in people belief that the state exists for them but not vice a versa. But the President fails in this. Chas