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

Minister of Education Grinblats says the stability of the Government will depend on the distribution of funds in the national budget currently discussed by the

Minister of Education Grinblats says the stability of the Government will depend on the distribution of funds in the national budget currently discussed by the Saeima. Mr. Grinblats demands additional funds for developing Latvia's education system. "Saimnieks" Chairman Cevers told the press his party would suggest amendments to the budget as well. It will not support the budget in case the amendments are not accepted. "Saimnieks" might even leave the government, said Cevers. Recently "Latvijas Cels" has suggested introducing a moratorium on any changes in the Cabinet. Diena

Today's

Today's Saeima agenda includes voting on four candidates to the Satversme Court. Mrs. Ilma Cepane and Mr. Aivars Endzins have been nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers, while Chairman of the Bauska Regional Court Ilza Skultane and Chairman of the Supreme Court Chamber for Criminal Cases Andreis Lepsis have been nominated by the Supreme Court. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction Chairman Straume suggests voting on all candidates, including those nominated by the Saeima, on the same day. According to "NEATKARIGA", other factions may agree to the proposal. This means the voting will not take place tomorrow since not all the candidatures have been nominated yet. Neatkariga

Mrs. Inta Junkevica (the Christian Democratic Party) criticizes the Law on the Constitutional Court claiming it to be an undemocratic instrument in the hands of the Government. Mrs. Junkevica is concerned about the political engagement of the judges nominated by the

Mrs. Inta Junkevica (the Christian Democratic Party) criticizes the Law on the Constitutional Court claiming it to be an undemocratic instrument in the hands of the Government. Mrs. Junkevica is concerned about the political engagement of the judges nominated by the Saeima. Judges nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers, according to Mrs. Junkevica, will represent economic interests of the ruling parties. The Supreme Court has nominated "former defenders and propagators of Communist ideas for the posts of the Constitutional court Judges, writes Junkevica. Individuals, companies, and organizations cannot apply to the Constitutional Court according to the Law making it impossible to discover discrepancies in the country's legislation. Mrs. Junkevica believes Latvia should follow the example of the similar institutions already existing in the West (e.g., the US). Neatkariga

Judge of the European Human Rights Court in an interview for

Judge of the European Human Rights Court in an interview for "DIENA" explains why no country can work out a legislation that would contain no discrepancies. He stresses the importance of observing the hierarchy of legal acts with Satversme superseding all other national legal acts. Mr. Levits believes Latvia has gained a considerable success on its way toward bringing the legislation in compliance with European standards. Among the drawbacks of Latvia's legislation Mr. Levits points out a poor definition of a mechanism for human rights implementation. He also believes lawyers are still using an old primitive Soviet approach to a new legal system which sometimes leads to unexpected and absurd results. Mr. Levits insists on giving human rights a formal constitutional status. Diena

"SM" and "PANORAMA LATVII" published reports on OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's press-conference. Both papers complain about the press-conference being too short leaving many of the questions unanswered. "PANORAMA LATVII" refers to unofficial sources that say persuading the High Commissioner to hold a press-conference was "not an easy task." Mr. van der Stoel says the establishment of the National Human Rights Office, the establishment of the Consultative Council, and the launching of the Latvian language program are the most important steps taken by Latvia toward integrating ethnic groups into Latvia's society. "PANORAMA LATVII" is skeptical about Mr. van der Stoel focusing on "bureaucratic activities" and not on tangible positive changes. While responding to the question on the future of the OSCE Mission, the High Commissioner said he was not in the position to discuss the issue with Latvian authorities. He added that the OSCE members would still prefer the Mission to extend its mandate. Mr. van der Stoel stressed that the presence of the Mission should not be looked at as an evidence of serious problems still existing in a country while and its purpose is to act as an independent and friendly advisor. The High Commissioner also mentioned the slow pace of the naturalization process. He believes complicated tests might be among the reasons. Elderly people may find it too difficult to master the language to the extent required to pass the test. Mr. van der Stoel admitted he would not be able to learn Latvian in his age. He said he believed the "window mechanism" could be reviewed and added that the CID Director shared that opinion. SM, Panorama Latvii

"SM"

interviewed CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins on the upcoming introduction of new noncitizens' passports. Mr. Leins says the new passports will be issued in exchange for old USSR internal passports, USSR travel passports, and provisional noncitizens' identification documents starting January 1997. Applicants for the new passports will have to produce old internal USSR passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates or certificates of divorce. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will take all steps required for a timely recognition of the new document by foreign countries. interviewed CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins on the upcoming introduction of new noncitizens' passports. Mr. Leins says the new passports will be issued in exchange for old USSR internal passports, USSR travel passports, and provisional noncitizens' identification documents starting January 1997. Applicants for the new passports will have to produce old internal USSR passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates or certificates of divorce. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will take all steps required for a timely recognition of the new document by foreign countries. SMSM