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

Last Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the draft law on the European Human Rights Convention and its Additional Protocols. The Cabinet decreed to pass the draft law to the

Last Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the draft law on the European Human Rights Convention and its Additional Protocols. The Cabinet decreed to pass the draft law to the Saeima for ratification. By ratifying the Convention Latvia will recognize the right of individuals and legal entities to submit complaints to the European Court on Human Rights and will fulfill its obligations taken in 1995, when Latvia joined he Council of Europe. Latvian legislation has been reviewed and amended to comply with Council of Europe standards. According to Council of Europe experts, the country's legislation does not contain any norms contradicting the Convention. Diena

Member of the Latvian parliamentary delegation to Russia Janis Jurkans ("People's Harmony") in an interview for

Member of the Latvian parliamentary delegation to Russia Janis Jurkans ("People's Harmony") in an interview for "PANORAMA LATVII" confirmed that all Russian politicians irrespective of their political views were concerned about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. He believes that relations between the two countries could improve if Latvia "increased the speed of naturalization process and followed van der Stoel's recommendations". Mr. Jurkans said that Russia used the problem of Russian-speakers as a tool to press on Latvia and to reach "certain political goals". Still, he believes that the pressure could help Latvian politicians to become aware of the urgency of changing the Russian-speakers' situation. The change would be even more advantageous to Latvia than to Russia, believes Jurkans. PL