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

According to Mr.Sergey Zotov the official date of Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin's visit to Latvia has not been named yet. The package of economical agreements to be signed during the visit will be prepared by the end of May. Mr.Zotov also noted that the Russian side has certain withdrawal-related technical issues to be settled with Latvia. The report on the meeting of the presidents issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia emphasizes that "it was stressed during the talks that Russia was still concerned about the status of the Russian-speaking population of Latvia and that the Russian side would protect its rights by appealing to international institutions." It was also stressed in the report that "Boris Yeltsin denounced Stalin's repressions of 1940 and 1949 in Latvia and noted that the people of Russia, and Russians who had suffered from the totalitarian rule cannot be held responsible for the repressions in Latvia."

According to Mr.Sergey Zotov the official date of Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin's visit to Latvia has not been named yet. The package of economical agreements to be signed during the visit will be prepared by the end of May. Mr.Zotov also noted that the Russian side has certain withdrawal-related technical issues to be settled with Latvia. The report on the meeting of the presidents issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia emphasizes that "it was stressed during the talks that Russia was still concerned about the status of the Russian-speaking population of Latvia and that the Russian side would protect its rights by appealing to international institutions." It was also stressed in the report that "Boris Yeltsin denounced Stalin's repressions of 1940 and 1949 in Latvia and noted that the people of Russia, and Russians who had suffered from the totalitarian rule cannot be held responsible for the repressions in Latvia." Diena

Saeima will adopt the law on the use of the KGB documents in 2 weeks. The status of the five deputies accused in collaborating with the KGB will be determined by the regulations for the implementation of the law.

Saeima will adopt the law on the use of the KGB documents in 2 weeks. The status of the five deputies accused in collaborating with the KGB will be determined by the regulations for the implementation of the law. Diena

In the interview for SM SEVODNYA Minister for Human Rights Mr.Olafs Bruveris pointed out main problems existing in this domain. The most burning issue are the "round stamps". Though the CID has recently introduced a 6-month temporary residence permit people are afraid of the permit not being extended. In some cases residence permits are not issued to spouses, children, and parents of Latvian residents which contradicts the international law. Mr.Bruveris said that his task was to inform the government and to analyze the situation while the legislative authorities should find ways of eliminating the problems. He expressed opinion that the current situation did not result from intentional policies of the state. He stressed that politicians should act in accordance with common sense and not be led by passions of the mob. There is an urgent need for developing a pattern for a peaceful and friendly coexistence of different ethnic groups. Mr.Bruveris characterized the concept of "Latvian Latvia" as the state ruled by Latvians where all human rights of non-Latvians were observed.

In the interview for SM SEVODNYA Minister for Human Rights Mr.Olafs Bruveris pointed out main problems existing in this domain. The most burning issue are the "round stamps". Though the CID has recently introduced a 6-month temporary residence permit people are afraid of the permit not being extended. In some cases residence permits are not issued to spouses, children, and parents of Latvian residents which contradicts the international law. Mr.Bruveris said that his task was to inform the government and to analyze the situation while the legislative authorities should find ways of eliminating the problems. He expressed opinion that the current situation did not result from intentional policies of the state. He stressed that politicians should act in accordance with common sense and not be led by passions of the mob. There is an urgent need for developing a pattern for a peaceful and friendly coexistence of different ethnic groups. Mr.Bruveris characterized the concept of "Latvian Latvia" as the state ruled by Latvians where all human rights of non-Latvians were observed. SM Segodnya