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 Review

Press Review

Saeima

members and the delegation of the European Parliament members held a joint session yesterday. The session was addressed by European Commission Chairman Santer and Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts. Member of the EP Commission on Foreign Affairs Ernesto Cacavale recommended to bring the Latvian legislation in compliance with EU norms and mentioned the importance of facilitating the naturalization process. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that the EC had reduced Latvia's economic development and reproached the EU for its criticism of slow naturalization of non-citizens in Latvia. Mr. Birkavs explained that by postponing the admission talks with Latvia the EU left non-citizens uncertain about Latvia's future. members and the delegation of the European Parliament members held a joint session yesterday. The session was addressed by European Commission Chairman Santer and Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts. Member of the EP Commission on Foreign Affairs Ernesto Cacavale recommended to bring the Latvian legislation in compliance with EU norms and mentioned the importance of facilitating the naturalization process. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that the EC had reduced Latvia's economic development and reproached the EU for its criticism of slow naturalization of non-citizens in Latvia. Mr. Birkavs explained that by postponing the admission talks with Latvia the EU left non-citizens uncertain about Latvia's future. DienaDiena Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis told "BIZNESS & BALTIJA" that he did not believe the adoption of the new Language Law to be necessary. He also objected to a provision in the new draft Language Law that restricts the use of languages in private businesses. Mr. Abikis believes the development of education programs for non-Latvians to be more important than the adoption of the new Language Law. B&B

Yesterday President Ulmanis was informed about the debate on unemployment benefits for persons not holding "language certificates". Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs supports the Unemployment Act currently in force requiring that an applicant for unemployment benefits should hold a certificate confirming his or her command of the Latvian language. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Social and Labor Issues Ludmila Kupriyanova believes the requirement to be a violation of social welfare principles.

Yesterday President Ulmanis was informed about the debate on unemployment benefits for persons not holding "language certificates". Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs supports the Unemployment Act currently in force requiring that an applicant for unemployment benefits should hold a certificate confirming his or her command of the Latvian language. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Social and Labor Issues Ludmila Kupriyanova believes the requirement to be a violation of social welfare principles. B&B