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

An article by President Ulmanis circulated after his meeting with representatives of regional press criticizes party programs for ambiguity. The article titled "For Secure Future of each Individual and the State" focuses on the issue of non-citizens. The President stresses that Latvians, while managing their own country, cannot afford overlooking the problem of non-Latvians and non-citizens, in particular. Mr. Ulmanis believes that all inhabitants of Latvia should feel confident about their future. He stresses that Latvia, being a European democracy, should open "naturalization windows" for all its inhabitants loyal to the country and willing to obtain its citizenship. The President points at the lack of a strategic program for resolving of minority issues that even were not included in the foreign policy concept adopted by the Saeima.

An article by President Ulmanis circulated after his meeting with representatives of regional press criticizes party programs for ambiguity. The article titled "For Secure Future of each Individual and the State" focuses on the issue of non-citizens. The President stresses that Latvians, while managing their own country, cannot afford overlooking the problem of non-Latvians and non-citizens, in particular. Mr. Ulmanis believes that all inhabitants of Latvia should feel confident about their future. He stresses that Latvia, being a European democracy, should open "naturalization windows" for all its inhabitants loyal to the country and willing to obtain its citizenship. The President points at the lack of a strategic program for resolving of minority issues that even were not included in the foreign policy concept adopted by the Saeima. Diena

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs participated in the fifty-third Session of the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva delivered a report on the human rights situation in Latvia. On April 9 the Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Moscow to discuss the work of the Russian-Latvian Commission with Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Igor Ivanov. The Commission has not started its work yet although its heads (Anatoly Gorbunov and Valery Serov) held a meeting last February.

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs participated in the fifty-third Session of the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva delivered a report on the human rights situation in Latvia. On April 9 the Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Moscow to discuss the work of the Russian-Latvian Commission with Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Igor Ivanov. The Commission has not started its work yet although its heads (Anatoly Gorbunov and Valery Serov) held a meeting last February. B&B

Prime-Minister Skele will visit Sweden on April 9. The agenda of the visit will include the signing of an agreement on illegal immigration. The agreement is a prerequisite for establishing a non-visa entrance regime between the two countries. The Latvian Premier will meet Swedish Prime-Minister Person. The talks will be focused on Latvia's integration in the European Union and security issues in relation with the OSCE, NATO and the "Partnership for Peace Program."

Prime-Minister Skele will visit Sweden on April 9. The agenda of the visit will include the signing of an agreement on illegal immigration. The agreement is a prerequisite for establishing a non-visa entrance regime between the two countries. The Latvian Premier will meet Swedish Prime-Minister Person. The talks will be focused on Latvia's integration in the European Union and security issues in relation with the OSCE, NATO and the "Partnership for Peace Program." Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele at his regular monthly meeting with the press said that the date of his visit to Moscow was not set yet. The Prime-Minister believes that the Government could run a referendum on joining the NATO and the EU by Latvia. According to recent polls, 34% of Latvia's population support such a referendum, one third of its inhabitants would prefer establishing closer contacts with Russia, while 27% spoke in favor of joining the EU. When asked to comment on Mayor Vidavsky's case, Mr. Skele said that the situation demonstrated "the uselessness of unjustified barriers."

Prime-Minister Skele at his regular monthly meeting with the press said that the date of his visit to Moscow was not set yet. The Prime-Minister believes that the Government could run a referendum on joining the NATO and the EU by Latvia. According to recent polls, 34% of Latvia's population support such a referendum, one third of its inhabitants would prefer establishing closer contacts with Russia, while 27% spoke in favor of joining the EU. When asked to comment on Mayor Vidavsky's case, Mr. Skele said that the situation demonstrated "the uselessness of unjustified barriers." SM