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

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs in his speech delivered at the Fifty-second Session of the UN General Assembly focused on the reforms implemented by Latvia aimed at overcoming the consequences of occupation. Mr. Birkavs put a special emphasis on the reforms in the human rights domain. In that connection he mentioned the ratification of the European Human Rights Convention. The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the human rights situation in the country will be also improved by the ratification of the UN Convention on Refugees and the adoption of the Law on refugees and Asylum-Seekers. Mr. Birkavs pointed to the efforts taken by Latvia to provide broad opportunities for the learning of the Latvian language.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs in his speech delivered at the Fifty-second Session of the UN General Assembly focused on the reforms implemented by Latvia aimed at overcoming the consequences of occupation. Mr. Birkavs put a special emphasis on the reforms in the human rights domain. In that connection he mentioned the ratification of the European Human Rights Convention. The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the human rights situation in the country will be also improved by the ratification of the UN Convention on Refugees and the adoption of the Law on refugees and Asylum-Seekers. Mr. Birkavs pointed to the efforts taken by Latvia to provide broad opportunities for the learning of the Latvian language. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs addressed the

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs addressed the Saeima with a letter on the draft amendments to the Law on the Ratification of the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees. The draft amendments are to be considered by the Saeima today (September 25). Mr. Birkavs calls upon the Saeima deputies to support the draft that would allow to apply the Convention to all refugees irrespective of whether they entered Latvia from Europe or from the rest of the World. The Saeima has already adopted the first reading of the amendments to the Law allowing to apply it to all refugees. Still, the Saeima Human Rights Commission suggested its own variant that postponed the application of the Convention to all refugees until the year 2000. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs reminds the deputies that the adoption of the draft suggested by the Human Rights Committee would lead to suspension of international aid to a refugee center in Latvia. In addition, such a decision would not allow Latvia to establish a non-visa regime with Sweden and Finland. Diena

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs will meet Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov in New-York today (September 25). In his yesterday's speech at the UN General Assembly Mr. Primakov suggested that Russia could provide security guarantees to Baltic states. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs also mentioned the problem of the rights of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries without focusing on the situation in any of the three states.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs will meet Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov in New-York today (September 25). In his yesterday's speech at the UN General Assembly Mr. Primakov suggested that Russia could provide security guarantees to Baltic states. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs also mentioned the problem of the rights of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries without focusing on the situation in any of the three states. B&B

A regular Session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly will be held next week. The Parliamentary Assembly has considered draft resolutions on human rights situation in CE countries submitted by Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Sweden. According to

A regular Session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly will be held next week. The Parliamentary Assembly has considered draft resolutions on human rights situation in CE countries submitted by Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Sweden. According to "CHAS", all the drafts mention violation of minority rights in Latvia. Parliamentary Assembly deputies Terry Davis (UK) and Zolt Nemet (Hungary) will visit Latvia to study the situation in the country. SM, Chas