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

The Presidents of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania at their yesterday's (10 November) meeting in Palanga, Lithuania adopted a statement rejecting security guarantees offered by Russia. The statement stresses the adherence of the three countries to integration in the EU and NATO and points to unilateral guarantees as not complying with "the spirit of new Europe". The document welcomes President Yeltsin's initiative aimed at developing neighborly relations with the three Baltic states. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins told

The Presidents of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania at their yesterday's (10 November) meeting in Palanga, Lithuania adopted a statement rejecting security guarantees offered by Russia. The statement stresses the adherence of the three countries to integration in the EU and NATO and points to unilateral guarantees as not complying with "the spirit of new Europe". The document welcomes President Yeltsin's initiative aimed at developing neighborly relations with the three Baltic states. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins told "DIENA" that Latvia was ready to sign the border agreement with Russia and that the signing of the document fully depended on the Russian side. Diena

Yesterday former Communist leader Alfreds Rubiks held a press-conference. He said that he would not join any of the existing political forces and would work on a plan for his future political activities and would focus on uniting left-wing parties. Mr. Rubiks does not believe the existing Social-Democratic parties to be real socialist movements. He criticized Latvian politicians for lack of consequent opinions and experience noting that "a person who has no experience in leadership except having been a laundry manager cannot be a politician."

Yesterday former Communist leader Alfreds Rubiks held a press-conference. He said that he would not join any of the existing political forces and would work on a plan for his future political activities and would focus on uniting left-wing parties. Mr. Rubiks does not believe the existing Social-Democratic parties to be real socialist movements. He criticized Latvian politicians for lack of consequent opinions and experience noting that "a person who has no experience in leadership except having been a laundry manager cannot be a politician." Diena, SM

The Latvian National Reform Party/ the Green Party Faction decided to join the governing coalition. An agreement with the coalition parties will be signed this Wednesday. The faction holds on sear in the Cabinet (State Minister of Environmental Protection Emsis).

The Latvian National Reform Party/ the Green Party Faction decided to join the governing coalition. An agreement with the coalition parties will be signed this Wednesday. The faction holds on sear in the Cabinet (State Minister of Environmental Protection Emsis). Neatkariga

Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis in an interview for

Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis in an interview for "SM SEVODNYA" stressed that he did not participate in the drafting of the new Language Law. Mr. Abikis supported amending the existing Law. Still, according to the Latvian legislation, all laws adopted before 1990 will become invalid after January 1, 1999. Mr. Abikis believes that some of the provisions of the new draft Law contradict European standards. Among these is mandatory use of Latvian in private companies, mandatory use of Latvia at all public gatherings and for public information and advertizing. Mr. Abikis also criticize the provision of the draft allowing Government official to communicate with Latvia's inhabitants only in Latvian. Still, he believes that Latvian politicians will adopt "a correct version of the law." SM

Boris Tsilevich refers to the analysis of the draft language law performed by the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. The analysis shows that the draft Law to a large extend restricts fundamental human rights including freedom of speech and liberty of conscience. The draft Law also contradicts the European Framework Convention on National Minorities that provides for the use of minority languages on the territories with a large percentage of minority population for communicating with local authorities. According to B.Tsilevich, the draft Language law is the first Latvian legal act to be criticized by European organizations for contradicting European norms.

Boris Tsilevich refers to the analysis of the draft language law performed by the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. The analysis shows that the draft Law to a large extend restricts fundamental human rights including freedom of speech and liberty of conscience. The draft Law also contradicts the European Framework Convention on National Minorities that provides for the use of minority languages on the territories with a large percentage of minority population for communicating with local authorities. According to B.Tsilevich, the draft Language law is the first Latvian legal act to be criticized by European organizations for contradicting European norms.