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

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said Latvia would become a EU member in the nearest future. Mr. Birkavs agreed "the involvement of non-Latvians into the country's society" to be among the most important prerequisites of Latvia's integration into the EU. He mentioned the Consultative Board of Nationalities formed by the President as an important step toward establishing a dialogue between ethic groups. Mr. Birkavs noted that the integration (Latvia's integration into the EU, or the integration of non-Latvians into Latvia's society? -- L.G.) is complicated by Russia groundlessly accusing Latvia in violating human rights. While speaking about naturalization, Mr. Birkavs said potential applicants for naturalization should be better informed of the process. Mr. Birkavs says the OSCE High Commissioner singled out Latvia for surpassing other countries with regard to the state of relations between ethnic groups. Mr. van der Stoel also pointed at an improvement in the attitude of non-Latvians to the independent state of Latvia. Still, a large percentage (28%) of noncitizens requires a serious study of possible ways of making it increase. The Naturalization Board provided the High Commissioner with its statistics showing that less than one thousand Latvia's inhabitants have applied for naturalization this year with thirty-three thousand having the right to apply. President Ulmanis during his meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner said naturalization did not require any assistance on the part of the Government, the process still going through its initial stage. The President believes the clear picture will become evident later when 100,000 non-citizens will have the right to apply for naturalization. A large part of Mr. van der Stoel's meeting with President Ulmanis was focused on the activities of the Consultative Board. The High Commissioner displayed interest toward the role of the National Human Rights Office in establishing the Board. He was satisfied with the second reading of the draft Law on the national human Rights Office by the

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said Latvia would become a EU member in the nearest future. Mr. Birkavs agreed "the involvement of non-Latvians into the country's society" to be among the most important prerequisites of Latvia's integration into the EU. He mentioned the Consultative Board of Nationalities formed by the President as an important step toward establishing a dialogue between ethic groups. Mr. Birkavs noted that the integration (Latvia's integration into the EU, or the integration of non-Latvians into Latvia's society? -- L.G.) is complicated by Russia groundlessly accusing Latvia in violating human rights. While speaking about naturalization, Mr. Birkavs said potential applicants for naturalization should be better informed of the process. Mr. Birkavs says the OSCE High Commissioner singled out Latvia for surpassing other countries with regard to the state of relations between ethnic groups. Mr. van der Stoel also pointed at an improvement in the attitude of non-Latvians to the independent state of Latvia. Still, a large percentage (28%) of noncitizens requires a serious study of possible ways of making it increase. The Naturalization Board provided the High Commissioner with its statistics showing that less than one thousand Latvia's inhabitants have applied for naturalization this year with thirty-three thousand having the right to apply. President Ulmanis during his meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner said naturalization did not require any assistance on the part of the Government, the process still going through its initial stage. The President believes the clear picture will become evident later when 100,000 non-citizens will have the right to apply for naturalization. A large part of Mr. van der Stoel's meeting with President Ulmanis was focused on the activities of the Consultative Board. The High Commissioner displayed interest toward the role of the National Human Rights Office in establishing the Board. He was satisfied with the second reading of the draft Law on the national human Rights Office by the Saeima. Diena, B&B

N.Lebedeva (

N.Lebedeva ("SM") writes that the OSCE High Commissioner does not conceal his dissatisfaction with the "window principle" and "insists on giving all inhabitants of Latvia irrespective of their age and social status the right to apply for citizenship." While reporting on the subjects touched upon the High Commissioner's dinner with members of the Consultative Board on Minority issues, Lebedeva mentions the OSCE possibly acting as a "curator" for the Consultative Board. SM

Lithuanian Prime-minister Stankjavicus and Latvian Prime-Minister Skele will meet this week to resume the border delimitation talks. The meeting will be held in Lithuania. Although Latvia suggested sharing oil reserves with Lithuania, the Lithuania side believes the talks would be a deadlock should Latvia ratify its agreements with AMOCO/OPAP. Vilnius insists on determining the border before discussing economic issues.

Lithuanian Prime-minister Stankjavicus and Latvian Prime-Minister Skele will meet this week to resume the border delimitation talks. The meeting will be held in Lithuania. Although Latvia suggested sharing oil reserves with Lithuania, the Lithuania side believes the talks would be a deadlock should Latvia ratify its agreements with AMOCO/OPAP. Vilnius insists on determining the border before discussing economic issues. Diena

Several

Several "Saimnieks" members including its faction leader Mr. Kaksitis confirm that Mr. Kreituss has offered money to the Saeima deputies. Mr. Kaksitis, currently the Saeima Speaker, said Kreituss was offering US$ 200 bribes in exchange for votes in favor of Mrs. Kreituse during last presidential elections. "Saimnieks" members recall Mr. Kreituss suggesting paying bonuses to the party faction members. Diena