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 meeting between Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel, scheduled for Friday, will not take place because the commissioner will have to leave for emergency meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna.

The meeting between Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel, scheduled for Friday, will not take place because the commissioner will have to leave for emergency meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. BNS

OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel on Thursday in Riga suggested to eliminate bureaucracy in Latvian language proficiency tests required to obtain the citizenship. Stoel made this suggestion, talking to reporters after the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. The OSCE commissioner said that the Latvian language test should be co-ordinated with requirements of the

OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel on Thursday in Riga suggested to eliminate bureaucracy in Latvian language proficiency tests required to obtain the citizenship. Stoel made this suggestion, talking to reporters after the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. The OSCE commissioner said that the Latvian language test should be co-ordinated with requirements of the

Naturalisations test so that a person will not be required to take two examinations. It would also help to boost the number of naturalisations. At the talks on Thursday the Latvian Premier and OSCE commissioner also analysed the pace of naturalisation. Van der Stoel said it was good that the number of naturalisation applications was not falling, while noting that activity was required from both parties seeking or giving the citizenship.

Naturalisations test so that a person will not be required to take two examinations. It would also help to boost the number of naturalisations. At the talks on Thursday the Latvian Premier and OSCE commissioner also analysed the pace of naturalisation. Van der Stoel said it was good that the number of naturalisation applications was not falling, while noting that activity was required from both parties seeking or giving the citizenship. BNS

Prime Minister A.Berzins thanked the High Commissioner for his support to Latvia and pointed out that during his term many important initiatives were implemented – naturalisation process was proceeding successfully, introduced National State Language Training Program. A.Berzins also informed his guest about the adopted National Integration Program and that in 2001 the state had allotted 428 000 Ls for National State Language Training Program.

Prime Minister A.Berzins thanked the High Commissioner for his support to Latvia and pointed out that during his term many important initiatives were implemented – naturalisation process was proceeding successfully, introduced National State Language Training Program. A.Berzins also informed his guest about the adopted National Integration Program and that in 2001 the state had allotted 428 000 Ls for National State Language Training Program. Neatkariga

Diena adds that the High Commissioner stated that Latvian national minority policy has experienced large growth during the last years but added that the number of non-citizens in Latvia was still large.

It is not likely that by Tuesday Social Democrats could agree with FF/LNNK on one candidate for the post of Riga City Mayor although both parties expressed their wish to co-operate. FF/LNNK Council came forward with a call to Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party, Latvian Way and People’s Party to vote for A.Argalis as the Mayor. In his turn the candidate of Social Democrats for this post G.Bojars confirmed that Social Democrats would not yield and was sure that they would win in the election of the mayor.

It is not likely that by Tuesday Social Democrats could agree with FF/LNNK on one candidate for the post of Riga City Mayor although both parties expressed their wish to co-operate. FF/LNNK Council came forward with a call to Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party, Latvian Way and Peoples Party to vote for A.Argalis as the Mayor. In his turn the candidate of Social Democrats for this post G.Bojars confirmed that Social Democrats would not yield and was sure that they would win in the election of the mayor. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika, Chas

In an interview to four Russian newspapers Russian President V.Putin once again pointed out that Russia was concerned about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. He said that during a dialogue Russia would demand observing of the legitimate rights of those people. In order to take care of the interests of Russian speakers in Latvia Russia should not start confrontation with Latvia but solve this issued in a dialogue.

In an interview to four Russian newspapers Russian President V.Putin once again pointed out that Russia was concerned about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. He said that during a dialogue Russia would demand observing of the legitimate rights of those people. In order to take care of the interests of Russian speakers in Latvia Russia should not start confrontation with Latvia but solve this issued in a dialogue. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Saeima Foreign affairs Commission Chairman G.Krasts, commenting this statement said that Russian President demanded that Latvia should introduce the same demands as they were in Europe. But they are already in Latvia, and this is stated by the OSCE experts.

Saeima Foreign affairs Commission Chairman G.Krasts, commenting this statement said that Russian President demanded that Latvia should introduce the same demands as they were in Europe. But they are already in Latvia, and this is stated by the OSCE experts. Neatkariga

Analysing V.Putin’s statement Z.Kac in

Analysing V.Putins statement Z.Kac in Respublika writes that there could be noticed some new developments in the Russian position. At first glance this position seems the same as it was ten years ago, but the situation Latvia has changed. Its is true that the number of non-citizens here is still large. But one must understand the motivation of those people who have naturalised and those who do not do it. But neither Russia nor Latvia analyses it. Both countries should learn from their Western colleagues who speak about Latvian problems precisely but very tactfully.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that the Union realised the role of “younger brother” what Social Democrats and other future coalition parties intended for it. The Union should support the coalition and for that they would be given the post of the third Vice-Mayor specially created for this purpose (for S.Dolgopolov). This Vice-Mayor will have almost no authority but a car, office and secretary. For this the Union has to support the candidate of Social Democrats G.Bojars. But the Union will never agree with this.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that the Union realised the role of younger brother what Social Democrats and other future coalition parties intended for it. The Union should support the coalition and for that they would be given the post of the third Vice-Mayor specially created for this purpose (for S.Dolgopolov). This Vice-Mayor will have almost no authority but a car, office and secretary. For this the Union has to support the candidate of Social Democrats G.Bojars. But the Union will never agree with this. Vesti Segodnya