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

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted a non-deficit budget for 1997. 73 deputies supported the budget while 11 voted against it. The budget was opposed by the Socialists, the "Latvijai" faction, by independent deputy Janis Adamsons, by Janis Urbanovics of "People's Harmony", and by Guntars Valdmanis of the "Unity" party. Although "Saimnieks" leader Cevers previously had threatened the Cabinet, saying that the party might leave the governing coalition if the budget did not provide for a more profound financing of social protection, ASaimnieks@ in the endsupported the budget yesterday. Diena, Neatkariga, PL

Mr. Aivars Endzins was elected acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court by the first meeting of the Court yesterday. The Chairman of the Constitutional Court and his Deputy can be elected only after all seven judges of the Court are elected. Currently the Constitutional Court lacks one member. Maris Krumins, the only candidate for the position, is accused of unlawfully registering the Latvian Chamber of Agriculture while working as a Ministry of Justice official. The

Mr. Aivars Endzins was elected acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court by the first meeting of the Court yesterday. The Chairman of the Constitutional Court and his Deputy can be elected only after all seven judges of the Court are elected. Currently the Constitutional Court lacks one member. Maris Krumins, the only candidate for the position, is accused of unlawfully registering the Latvian Chamber of Agriculture while working as a Ministry of Justice official. The Saeima is about to consider the issue and will decide whether Mr. Krumins can be appointed Judge of the Constitutional Court. Diena, PL

Last Tuesday the Consultative Nationalities Council supported OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's recommendation to state nationality in a passport only upon the request of a holder of the passport. The Council, though, agrees that such a reform will require taking into consideration a peculiar situation in Latvia and amending the Latvian legislation.

Last Tuesday the Consultative Nationalities Council supported OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's recommendation to state nationality in a passport only upon the request of a holder of the passport. The Council, though, agrees that such a reform will require taking into consideration a peculiar situation in Latvia and amending the Latvian legislation. PL

CID Deputy-Director Leins in an interview for

CID Deputy-Director Leins in an interview for "SM" said that former USSR passports would not be considered as a basis for issuing non-citizens with new aliens' passports. Leins recommended noncitizens to collect all required documents in advance.

US Secretary of State Christopher called Russia's decision to start talks with NATO "a very good sign". According to Christopher, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov agreed to discuss Russia's relations with NATO. The US Secretary of State believes that Russia’s concern about NATO enlargement might dissipate since the talks will be focused on establishing special relations between NATO and Russia. Primakov says that Russia still objects against former Eastern block countries joining NATO.

US Secretary of State Christopher called Russia's decision to start talks with NATO "a very good sign". According to Christopher, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov agreed to discuss Russia's relations with NATO. The US Secretary of State believes that Russias concern about NATO enlargement might dissipate since the talks will be focused on establishing special relations between NATO and Russia. Primakov says that Russia still objects against former Eastern block countries joining NATO. Diena