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

The "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK party council at its yesterday's meeting decided to start a discussion on recalling President Ulmanis from his post in case the President "proceeded with the statements that contradicted national interests and undermined the stability of the Cabinet." The party would not share the responsibility for the consequences of the President's statements, said a "TB"/LNNK representative. President Ulmanis has not reacted to the statements made by Saeima Deputy-Speaker Jirgens and the "TB"/LNNK council. Diena

"DIENA"

Journalist Aivars Ozolins believes that Journalist Aivars Ozolins believes that "Latvijas Cels" "Latvijas Cels" and and "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" may openly oppose may openly oppose "TB"/LNNK"TB"/LNNK after the after the SaeimaSaeima adopts the budget for the coming fiscal year. The ultimate decision would be most probably to be made by adopts the budget for the coming fiscal year. The ultimate decision would be most probably to be made by "Latvijas Cels""Latvijas Cels", thinks Ozolins. , thinks Ozolins. DienaDiena

"TB"/LNNK

Secretary General Aigars Kimenis in an article for Secretary General Aigars Kimenis in an article for"DIENA""DIENA" connects recent release of former Communist leader Rubiks from prison with "the campaign against the new language Law". He warns against pressing connects recent release of former Communist leader Rubiks from prison with "the campaign against the new language Law". He warns against pressing "TB"/LNNK"TB"/LNNK from the Cabinet claiming that the move would detain Latvia's integration in the EU and would lead to massive naturalization of non-citizens currently opposed only by from the Cabinet claiming that the move would detain Latvia's integration in the EU and would lead to massive naturalization of non-citizens currently opposed only by "TB"/LNNK "TB"/LNNK. . DienaDiena Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Andrejs Pildegovics told

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Andrejs Pildegovics told "NEATKARIGA" that "the OSCE Mission was fulfilling an important task" and confirmed that its mandate was extended until 31 December 1997. The OSCE Mission refused to comment on its future activities. Mr. Pildegovics does not exclude the possibility of certain changes in the mandate of the Mission. Head of the State Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers stressed that the Office had a productive co-operation with the OSCE Mission. Similar opinion was expressed by Deputy-Director of the Naturalization Board Janis Kohanovics. He noted that the Mission helped the Board in establishing contacts with foreign embassies. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs Andris Rubins said that the Committee had not considered the issue on the Mission's presence in Latvia. The final decision is to be made by the OSCE Permanent Committee in Vienna. Neatkariga

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima Declined the amendments to the Law on Pensions that would allow non-citizens to receive pensions for the years of employment outside Latvia. Saeima Speaker Cepanis was among those voting against the amendments while Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Seiksts chose not to take part in the voting. Panorama Latvii

Chairman of the

Chairman of the "Saimnieks" faction Ernests Jurkans told "SM" that "Saimnieks" was planning to draft amendments to the Citizenship Law that would abolish "the naturalization windows" and grant citizenship to children born in Latvia after 1991. He also does not exclude the possibility of granting Latvian citizenship to children one of whose parents was born in Latvia. SM

Only 120 thousand non-citizens have received new alien passports. The total number of passports to be issued is around 600 thousand. Head of the Russian Embassy Consular Department Rylov expressed concern about the situation and told

Only 120 thousand non-citizens have received new alien passports. The total number of passports to be issued is around 600 thousand. Head of the Russian Embassy Consular Department Rylov expressed concern about the situation and told "SM" that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries will discuss possible solutions that would allow non-citizens to travel to Russia after January 1, 1998, which is the date after which old USSR passports will not be valid for travel outside Latvia. SM

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima voted for granting Latvian citizenship to Parex Bank President Kargin and Chairman of the Board of the same bank Krasovitsky for their outstanding service to Latvia. Diena