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 Director of the Consular Department of Latvian MFA S.Mellupe told the press that Latvian - German talks on readmitting illegal immigrants had been successfull and the agreement would be signed this year. The text of this agreement corresponded to EU norms. Her German colleagues had not expanded on introducing no visa regime but stressed that this agreement was a step towards reaching this goal. One of the main obstacles to it was the fact that Latvian passports could be forged so easily.

The Director of the Consular Department of Latvian MFA S.Mellupe told the press that Latvian - German talks on readmitting illegal immigrants had been successfull and the agreement would be signed this year. The text of this agreement corresponded to EU norms. Her German colleagues had not expanded on introducing no visa regime but stressed that this agreement was a step towards reaching this goal. One of the main obstacles to it was the fact that Latvian passports could be forged so easily. Neatkariga, Bizness & Baltiya

Chas adds one more reason for this slowness - lack of border agreements between the Baltic states and Russia. Although German Minister of Foreign Affairs K.Kinkel announced at the meeting with MFA heads of the Baltic states that Germany and the rest of Shengen Treaty countries did not consider that these three countries should have agreements with Russia and Byelorussia on readmitting of illegal immigrants but they would be desirable.

It is planned to consider conformity of the Head of NHRO O.Bruveris to this post at the Co-operation Council of government forming factions because, when drawing up the previous government record decision, lawyers stated that the government had no right to propose a dismissal of a bureau head.

It is planned to consider conformity of the Head of NHRO O.Bruveris to this post at the Co-operation Council of government forming factions because, when drawing up the previous government record decision, lawyers stated that the government had no right to propose a dismissal of a bureau head. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Several newspapers repeat the information about a new faction at the Saeima led by I.Kreituse.

Several newspapers repeat the information about a new faction at the Saeima led by I.Kreituse. Rigas Balss gives even the whole list of its members. Neatkariga

Russian version of

Russian version of Diena writes about Janis Lacis, a repatriate to Latvia and about the problems his wife Olga faced going through the process of repatriation. She had to make medical tests on AIDS, syphilis, clap, get certificates from militia of not being prosecuted, convicted, etc. But even after receiving a TRP her problems did not cease, just on the contrary.

It took three years for the Latvian League of Apatrids to win a court case against the Interior Ministry for refusing to register the League. One of the organisers of the League B.Celevics told the correspondent about the things this organisation could have done should it be registered in 1994. It planned to participate in integration of apatrids - residents of Latvia in Latvian political, economic and cultural environment, establish constructive relations between governmental structures and apatrids - residents of Latvia, represent those residents of Latvia who according the existing legislation were not citizens of Latvia but who wanted to become ones, represent the opinion on these people in discussions with Latvian authorities.

It took three years for the Latvian League of Apatrids to win a court case against the Interior Ministry for refusing to register the League. One of the organisers of the League B.Celevics told the correspondent about the things this organisation could have done should it be registered in 1994. It planned to participate in integration of apatrids - residents of Latvia in Latvian political, economic and cultural environment, establish constructive relations between governmental structures and apatrids - residents of Latvia, represent those residents of Latvia who according the existing legislation were not citizens of Latvia but who wanted to become ones, represent the opinion on these people in discussions with Latvian authorities. Diena (Russian version)

The major event in the foreign affairs o f Latvia last week was the visit of the State Secretary of Austria B.Ferrero-Valnder. At the press briefing, answering to the question on EU attitude to the problem of non-citizens in Latvia, the guest characterised this issue as the most painful one from the Soviet heritage. Austria supports the abolishing of the “window” mechanism and granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after August 1991, but the main thing is implementation of these decisions.

The major event in the foreign affairs o f Latvia last week was the visit of the State Secretary of Austria B.Ferrero-Valnder. At the press briefing, answering to the question on EU attitude to the problem of non-citizens in Latvia, the guest characterised this issue as the most painful one from the Soviet heritage. Austria supports the abolishing of the window mechanism and granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after August 1991, but the main thing is implementation of these decisions. SM