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

Latvia has to adopt amendments to the Law on Citizenship in accordance with international standards - then EU would be satisfied and put no additional demands for Latvia to join this organisation. It was announced at the joint parliamentary meeting of Latvia and EU by EC representative K.Day(?). Nevertheless, EU has not declared that the Law on Citizenship would be the key for talks on Latvia joining EU because EC pointed out the slow process of Naturalisation already last year therefore it may not be considered as a special precondition.

Latvia has to adopt amendments to the Law on Citizenship in accordance with international standards - then EU would be satisfied and put no additional demands for Latvia to join this organisation. It was announced at the joint parliamentary meeting of Latvia and EU by EC representative K.Day(?). Nevertheless, EU has not declared that the Law on Citizenship would be the key for talks on Latvia joining EU because EC pointed out the slow process of Naturalisation already last year therefore it may not be considered as a special precondition. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, SM

On June 4, the Saeima has to adopt in urgent procedure the amendments to the Law on Citizenship granting citizenship to children born in the families of non-citizens after restoration of Latvian independence. This urgent adoption is not supported by

On June 4, the Saeima has to adopt in urgent procedure the amendments to the Law on Citizenship granting citizenship to children born in the families of non-citizens after restoration of Latvian independence. This urgent adoption is not supported by Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK therefore it is possible that the amendments will not be adopted. The Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs considers that reluctance to fulfill government promises will give a chance for ill-wishers to blame Latvia and make more difficult to find arguments for its defenders. The greatest discussion is expected to be about the government proposal to grant citizenship to children of non-citizens. It would effect 21 000 children. The leaders of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK have found this proposal unacceptable already some time ago, also the faction of Latvian Farmers Union/Union of Christian Democrats is not unanimous on supporting it, but the Prime Minister G.Krasts told Diena on Tuesday that his opinion was to postpone this vote for some later time and make it in three readings. Diena

Commenting this G.Krasts’s announcement,

Commenting this G.Krastss announcement, Diena journalist says that it endangers chances for Latvia to join EU, as well as undermine international prestige of the country and trust of its European allies. Diena

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs stands for all for these amendments, and he realizes the consequences if they were not adopted.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs stands for all for these amendments, and he realizes the consequences if they were not adopted. Diena

The Saeima Juridical Commission has supported the draft law of the government, thus rejecting the draft elaborated by the Saeima deputies. The Commission decided to submit to the Saeima all three draft laws as a unique draft law and to preserve the legal norm allowing the Saeima to grant Latvian citizenship for special merits.

The Saeima Juridical Commission has supported the draft law of the government, thus rejecting the draft elaborated by the Saeima deputies. The Commission decided to submit to the Saeima all three draft laws as a unique draft law and to preserve the legal norm allowing the Saeima to grant Latvian citizenship for special merits. Jauna Avize

The Russian version of

The Russian version of Diena publishes an interview with Dmitry Skachkov - a law student who received Latvian citizenship quite recently. He is a supporter of Communist ideas and opponent of the Law on Citizenship. He finds this law against the nation and antidemocratic. Dmitry is sure, if all supporters of 0 - version will take Latvian citizenship, they could amend the Law on Citizenship.

SM

continues its articles on the Naturalisation process in different countries. This time it writes about Russia and Estonia. continues its articles on the Naturalisation process in different countries. This time it writes about Russia and Estonia.

Panorama Latvii

publishes reflections of its correspondent S.Zaletayev on the problem to naturalise or not. He analyses different reasons making non-citizens in Latvia to become its citizens or not (mostly not). He discusses the problem of military service for youngsters, then examines the possibility to influence state authorities by boycotting Naturalisation but finds this way un-perspective. The only solution he sees in being politically active: taking part in political rallies, demonstrations, etc. The next target should be the Latvian language examination for future Latvian citizens. Many non-Latvians have already successfully passed their Latvian language efficiency test necessary for working. That could be considered as valid for the Naturalisation exam. publishes reflections of its correspondent S.Zaletayev on the problem “to naturalise or not.” He analyses different reasons making non-citizens in Latvia to become its citizens or not (mostly not). He discusses the problem of military service for youngsters, then examines the possibility to influence state authorities by boycotting Naturalisation but finds this way un-perspective. The only solution he sees in being politically active: taking part in political rallies, demonstrations, etc. The next target should be the Latvian language examination for future Latvian citizens. Many non-Latvians have already successfully passed their Latvian language efficiency test necessary for working. That could be considered as valid for the Naturalisation exam.