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

The administration of Moscow summoned the central government and people of Russia to boycott Latvian goods “until a decision is taken on granting equal rights to all permanent residents of Latvia disregarding their nationality.” The Russian government was advised to ban the status of greatest favour in trade towards Latvia. The administration of Moscow considers that all possible attempts to persuade Latvia to change its policy towards Russian speakers have been exhausted. In his turn, Russian MFA representative V.Nesterushkin announced to the press agency Interfax that, “Moscow paid attention to that seriousness and responsibility with which Latvian authorities treat the investigation of the explosion at the Russian Embassy building in Riga.” Such an approach, according to this diplomat, proves that Riga acknowledges complexity of the situation and is worried about its negative influence on the international prestige of Latvia. At the same time he pointed out that it was too early to speak about any positive trends in the relations between those two countries. They would show only when Russia saw determination of the Latvian government to solve accumulated human problems.

The administration of Moscow summoned the central government and people of Russia to boycott Latvian goods until a decision is taken on granting equal rights to all permanent residents of Latvia disregarding their nationality. The Russian government was advised to ban the status of greatest favour in trade towards Latvia. The administration of Moscow considers that all possible attempts to persuade Latvia to change its policy towards Russian speakers have been exhausted. In his turn, Russian MFA representative V.Nesterushkin announced to the press agency Interfax that, Moscow paid attention to that seriousness and responsibility with which Latvian authorities treat the investigation of the explosion at the Russian Embassy building in Riga. Such an approach, according to this diplomat, proves that Riga acknowledges complexity of the situation and is worried about its negative influence on the international prestige of Latvia. At the same time he pointed out that it was too early to speak about any positive trends in the relations between those two countries. They would show only when Russia saw determination of the Latvian government to solve accumulated human problems. Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, SM, Bizness & Baltiya

SM

publishes review of opinions of Russian politicians on the situation in Latvia. The Chairman of Duma committee on geopolitics considers that those actions were performed by national radicals. They also are in favour of groups supporting Latvias joining NATO. The same opinion is held by the rest of interviewed politicians. publishes review of opinions of Russian politicians on the situation in Latvia. The Chairman of Duma committee on geopolitics considers that those actions were performed by national radicals. They also are in favour of groups supporting Latvia’s joining NATO. The same opinion is held by the rest of interviewed politicians. SM SM Faction

Faction Latvijas Cels supports the idea of annulment of window mechanism for all non-citizens born in Latvia. Government forming factions have to clarify their opinion on five possible blocks of amendments to the Law on Citizenship till Thursday. None of these factions have proposed to annul the Naturalisation windows, but it is possible that they could be annulled for non-citizens born in Latvia. Diena was informed by the Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs that the Board of the faction had supported the idea on Monday. It would concern 47% of all non-citizens of Latvia and would solve the citizenship problem for children born after restoration of Latvian independence, said LC member A.Ameriks. In this version the old window mechanism would be preserved for persons, who have immigrated to Latvia, and they would receive the right for Naturalisation only in 2001. The valid law anticipates that all persons born in Latvia would be able to naturalise starting with 2000. Diena

Yesterday on the building in Ziepniekkalns, where several officials of Russian Embassy resided, was a yellow flag with a white circle in the centre and a red swastika. Security police head J.Apelis announced that this offence belonged to the chain of provocation organised lately in Riga. Neither of those officials, nor the Russian Embassy have received any threats.

Yesterday on the building in Ziepniekkalns, where several officials of Russian Embassy resided, was a yellow flag with a white circle in the centre and a red swastika. Security police head J.Apelis announced that this offence belonged to the chain of provocation organised lately in Riga. Neither of those officials, nor the Russian Embassy have received any threats. Rita Zinas, Bizness & Baltiya,

Starting with January 1, 1999, Latvian residents will be ably to change the nationality record in their passport at a Registry office. The Cabinet of Ministers charged the Ministries of the Interior and Justice to prepare the necessary documents to elaborate a conception of citizenship and immigration. This conception would effect three state institutions - DCMA, Naturalisation Board and Registry Department. In the conception it is stated that those institution continue to work in their own status, only redistribution of functions is taking place. As the Minister of Justice Dz.Rasnacs said, in such a way the system of administrational institutions would be arranged.

Starting with January 1, 1999, Latvian residents will be ably to change the nationality record in their passport at a Registry office. The Cabinet of Ministers charged the Ministries of the Interior and Justice to prepare the necessary documents to elaborate a conception of citizenship and immigration. This conception would effect three state institutions - DCMA, Naturalisation Board and Registry Department. In the conception it is stated that those institution continue to work in their own status, only redistribution of functions is taking place. As the Minister of Justice Dz.Rasnacs said, in such a way the system of administrational institutions would be arranged. Rita Zinas

Yesterday, there were meetings of two structures responsible for security of Latvia - National Security Council and the Saeima parliamentary commission on national security. After the first meeting, the Interior Minister Z.Cevers told the press that in Latvia there are some political forces trying to create an image in the world that higher officials of armed forces may ignore the opinion of state institutions. He could not predict possible future events but, if no steps would be taken to increase control, it could lead to unpredictable results. The Prime Minister G.Krasts was more optimistic - he announced to the press after the second meeting that provocation of the last days will not influence neither stability of the government, nor Latvian - Russian relations. Members of the parliamentary commission on national security came to the conclusion that nobody controlled actions of politically extreme organisation. Security institutions did not enough forecasting of possible events and were just stating facts that had taken place.

Chas