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

President Ulmanis at his yesterday's press-conference said that he would nominate a candidate for Prime-Minister on Wednesday this week. He will name a candidate even if

President Ulmanis at his yesterday's press-conference said that he would nominate a candidate for Prime-Minister on Wednesday this week. He will name a candidate even if "Tevzemei un Brivibai" ("TB"), "Latvijas Cels" ("LC") and "Saimnieks" failed to agree on their candidate. The President believes that a Cabinet can be formed without the participation of one of the three major factions ("TB", according to rumors in the Saeima). He criticized the factions for holding behind-the-scene negotiations. "TB", "LC" and "Saimnieks" proceeded with their talks yesterday with no results. "TB" suggests its member Guntars Krasts as a candidate, "Saimnieks" insists on Skele's candidature, while "LC" has not chosen between the two candidates yet. "LC" representatives say that the faction cannot take a premature decision without a thorough study of cabinet concepts proposed by the two candidates. "TB" has already come up with its model of a future Cabinet. Still, "LC" representatives say that the faction should discuss the concept with other parties represented in the Saeima. Skele has not revealed his plans to "LC" yet. Tonight the President is having a meeting with "TB" candidate G.Krasts. Diena, Neatkariga, SM, B&B

According to the regulations by the Cabinet of Ministers, the CID is to start issuing new passports to non-citizens before April 10. The CID is panning to issue around 700,000 Latvia's inhabitants with new passports in three years. According to the regulations, former USSR passports will not be valid for leaving Latvia starting January 1, 1998, and will not be recognized as documents valid for entering the country after July 1, 1998. Former USSR passports held by non-citizens will lose their validity as internal identification documents on January 1, 2000. The CID is working on a draft decree to be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers requiring that all citizens should exchange old USSR passports before July 1.

According to the regulations by the Cabinet of Ministers, the CID is to start issuing new passports to non-citizens before April 10. The CID is panning to issue around 700,000 Latvia's inhabitants with new passports in three years. According to the regulations, former USSR passports will not be valid for leaving Latvia starting January 1, 1998, and will not be recognized as documents valid for entering the country after July 1, 1998. Former USSR passports held by non-citizens will lose their validity as internal identification documents on January 1, 2000. The CID is working on a draft decree to be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers requiring that all citizens should exchange old USSR passports before July 1. Diena

"People's Harmony" issued a statement calling upon its voters to participate in a referendum on canceling restrictions depriving non-citizens, former CPSU members and KGB officers and informers of the right to participate in local elections. The statement says that granting non-citizens the right would contribute to their integration into Latvian society.

"People's Harmony" issued a statement calling upon its voters to participate in a referendum on canceling restrictions depriving non-citizens, former CPSU members and KGB officers and informers of the right to participate in local elections. The statement says that granting non-citizens the right would contribute to their integration into Latvian society. SM

President Ulmanis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs held a press-conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The President stressed the importance of developing Latvia's relations with Russia. He criticized Russian foreign policy for the lack of "rationality and efficiency". The press-conference was held on occasion of recognition of Latvia's independence

President Ulmanis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs held a press-conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The President stressed the importance of developing Latvia's relations with Russia. He criticized Russian foreign policy for the lack of "rationality and efficiency". The press-conference was held on occasion of recognition of Latvia's independence de jure on 26 January 1921. Diena

Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin at a press-conference that followed the meeting of the Council of "Russia Is My Home" movement laid a special emphasis on the issue of Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. He said that countries willing to integrate into European community should observe human rights. Chernomyrdin told the press that he was planning to meet Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Prime-Ministers this year. He stressed the importance of "practical steps" aimed at protecting the rights of Russian-speakers abroad.

Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin at a press-conference that followed the meeting of the Council of "Russia Is My Home" movement laid a special emphasis on the issue of Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. He said that countries willing to integrate into European community should observe human rights. Chernomyrdin told the press that he was planning to meet Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Prime-Ministers this year. He stressed the importance of "practical steps" aimed at protecting the rights of Russian-speakers abroad. Diena