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 might have formally violated the

President Ulmanis might have formally violated the Satversme by retaining posts in two companies. Article 38 of the Satversme does not allow the President to hold any other positions. According to the Register of Enterprises, Mr. Ulmanis still heads two companies, thus violating the Anti-Corruption Law and the Satversme. The President says that he resigned from the posts in 1993 while the companies have not informed the Register of Enterprises in due time. One of the companies ceased to exist in 1994. Diena

The Saeima supported Talavs Jundzis' candidature for the post of Minister of Defense. The post was held by

The Saeima supported Talavs Jundzis' candidature for the post of Minister of Defense. The post was held by LNNK member Krastins who was accused of "ignoring the state interests" and dismissed by the Prime-Minister. Mr. Jundzis held the post of Minister of Defense in 1991-93. Later he founded the Baltic Strategic Center and studied military and strategic issues abroad. Talavs Jundzis is a member the Christian People's party. Neatkariga

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the concept of the new Language Law. The draft Law is more strict as compared to the Language Law currently in force. According to the new Law, state and self-government institutions will accept applications and document only in the Latvian language. Should a document be in a language other than Latvian, it should be accompanied by a notarized translation. Names of companies founded in Latvia should be spelt according to Latvian language rules. State-financed non-Latvian schools are to use Latvian as the language of instruction for at least half of the subjects while the Latvian language is to become the only language of instruction after 2005. The new Law, if adopted, is to come into force this autumn. SM Head of the Latvian Delegation to the Council of the Baltic States Janis Ritenis at a press-conference said that the Council focused a large part of its attention on human rights issues. The working group on human rights headed by Mr. Ole Espersen provides recommendations to the countries of the Council. Russia raised the issue of human rights in Estonia and Latvia during last meeting of the Council. SM

A report on a recent visit of OSCE Mission members to Liepaja published by

A report on a recent visit of OSCE Mission members to Liepaja published by "SM" points at a frequent arbitrary interpretation of the Law by local CID officers. According to Russian Council to Liepaja Ruslan Bakalo, serious problems are often faced by former Russian citizens who have renounce their citizenship. Several complaints are connected with delays in the issuing of new alien passports. Director of the local CID office explained that the data on applicants often needed additional checking due to a large number of individuals illegally residing in Liepaja. Thirty-seven non-citizens applied to the local office of the Naturalization Board for naturalization. SM