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

World Bank expert L. Fox at a press-conference yesterday highly praised Latvia's achievements in reforming its social sphere. Mrs. Fox said that social reforms in Latvia were the most profound ones in Eastern Europe. Among the most important achievements she named the pension reform, the upcoming mandatory health insurance, and the adoption of eight important laws on social issues by the

World Bank expert L. Fox at a press-conference yesterday highly praised Latvia's achievements in reforming its social sphere. Mrs. Fox said that social reforms in Latvia were the most profound ones in Eastern Europe. Among the most important achievements she named the pension reform, the upcoming mandatory health insurance, and the adoption of eight important laws on social issues by the Saeima last year.Diena

The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the "Regulations on the Status of the Unemployed". The Regulations require that an individual applying for the status should provide a certificate proving he or she has passed the state language test. The requirement contradicts other rules and regulations that do not require the knowledge of the Latvian language by applicants for any job on the territory of Latvia.

The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the "Regulations on the Status of the Unemployed". The Regulations require that an individual applying for the status should provide a certificate proving he or she has passed the state language test. The requirement contradicts other rules and regulations that do not require the knowledge of the Latvian language by applicants for any job on the territory of Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Russian Premier Chernomirdin during his meeting with Swedish Prime-Minister Persson said that Russia was ready to use "all economic factors" to improve the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Mr. Chernomirdin criticized the Baltic states for adopting laws that "violated the rights of ethnic Russians". He told the press that the Swedish Prime-Minister had displayed understanding of Russia's concern about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. According to

Russian Premier Chernomirdin during his meeting with Swedish Prime-Minister Persson said that Russia was ready to use "all economic factors" to improve the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Mr. Chernomirdin criticized the Baltic states for adopting laws that "violated the rights of ethnic Russians". He told the press that the Swedish Prime-Minister had displayed understanding of Russia's concern about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. According to ITAR-TASS, the Russian side "was impressed by Swedens attitude towards the issues under discussion that could affect in a positive way the situation in the Baltic states". The agenda of the meeting also included security issues in the Baltic region and cooperation between Russian, Swedish, and NATO rescue services. Neatkariga

Latvia and Russia are resuming border delimitation talks today. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that he expected Russia to take a more flexible stand at the talks. Russia has pointed many times at its consistent policy on the border issue. It will not recognize the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty since it was concluded by Soviet Russia and not by the USSR (that did not exist at that time). Russia has taken the legal obligations of the former USSR but does not recognize itself a successor of Soviet Russia. Recognition of Latvia's territorial claims can also create a dangerous precedent and will not be supported by the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the European Union.

Latvia and Russia are resuming border delimitation talks today. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that he expected Russia to take a more flexible stand at the talks. Russia has pointed many times at its consistent policy on the border issue. It will not recognize the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty since it was concluded by Soviet Russia and not by the USSR (that did not exist at that time). Russia has taken the legal obligations of the former USSR but does not recognize itself a successor of Soviet Russia. Recognition of Latvia's territorial claims can also create a dangerous precedent and will not be supported by the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the European Union. SM

Russian

Russian Duma Deputy Mikhail Vakulenko, referring to a high-ranking Russian Foreign Ministry official, said that Russia might sever its diplomatic relations with Latvia. Mr. Vakulenko is the Head of the Deputy Group for Contacts with the Baltic Parliaments. The Group refused to accept a recent invitation to visit Latvia. Mr. Vakulenko in an interview for "SM" explained that the Duma deputies were embarrassed by the Declaration on Occupation of Latvia and considered the adoption of the document as a step hostile to Russia. He believes the Latvian authorities are deliberately provoking conflicts with Russia. In this connection he mentioned the recent reaction of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the passing of Russian ships through the Latvian economic zone. According to Mr. Vakulenko, the Duma is also concerned about "apartheid in Latvia". The majority of the deputies believe economic sanctions might be used against Latvia, should its policy remain unchanged. The Russian Parliament member called upon Latvia to renounce its territorial claims towards Russia and to reconsider its policy towards NATO enlargement. SM