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 Report

Press Report

The Ministers of the OSCE member states agreed yesterday on the final version of the Charter of European Security.

The Ministers of the OSCE member states agreed yesterday on the final version of the Charter of European Security. Neatkariga, Diena

The Saeima Commission on Education and Science and OSCE experts did not manage to reach an agreement on all issues during their two days discussions on the draft language law. It is possible that the use of the state language in public information, the most discussed topic, could be regulated both by the Language law and the Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers, announced the Chairman of the Commission Dz.Abikis. He pointed out that the experts were in “a rather strong position” concerning the language use in public information. The experts thought that language use in this sphere should be stipulated by the law. In his turn Dz.Abiíis acknowledged that the current procedure could be preserved when the law stipulated in what cases the state language should be used mandatory in public information, but the use of other languages could be stipulated by regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Saeima Commission on Education and Science and OSCE experts did not manage to reach an agreement on all issues during their two days discussions on the draft language law. It is possible that the use of the state language in public information, the most discussed topic, could be regulated both by the Language law and the Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers, announced the Chairman of the Commission Dz.Abikis. He pointed out that the experts were in a rather strong position concerning the language use in public information. The experts thought that language use in this sphere should be stipulated by the law. In his turn Dz.Abiíis acknowledged that the current procedure could be preserved when the law stipulated in what cases the state language should be used mandatory in public information, but the use of other languages could be stipulated by regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers. Neatkariga, Diena

Prime Minister A.Skele did not accept the resignation note of the Minister of Education S.Golde and gave her time for consideration until he returned from Istanbul.

Prime Minister A.Skele did not accept the resignation note of the Minister of Education S.Golde and gave her time for consideration until he returned from Istanbul. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

The Chairman of the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission J.Lagzdins told that on of the pilot plans in the public integration program is to establish a special office that would be fully responsible for the implementation of the program. It would be an independent institution under direct supervision of the Cabinet of Ministers. It would ensure the Office enough political neutrality. The Commission calls the Government to adopt the program ass soon as possible.

Neatkariga

The experts have finished their work on the public integration program and the Council on Public Integration, consisting of the Ministers of Justice, Education and Welfare, came to a compromise on several proposals, but in some issues the TB/LNNK representative A.Jurdzs did not give in. They are to be discussed at a Government sitting. Among them – the proposal of TB/LNNK to emphasize in the concept the problems of Latvian society as consequences of Soviet colonization and cross out from the concept words stating that the Integration Fund will receive state financing. Minister of Justice V.Birkavs anticipated that the Government would adopt the program on November 30. Noviy Den

The Naturalisation Board will have to decrease its number of employees if the Government would not find the necessary additional financing. It would also cause extension of the time necessary for naturalisation. The Board needs about 75 000Ls, reported the head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane to the Minister of Justice. This sum is necessary for running the Board in November, December and the next year. “Should the money be not allocated, the Board does not see a possibility to continue its activities.” This statement was made by the Press Secretary of the Board A.Smilitinieks.

The Naturalisation Board will have to decrease its number of employees if the Government would not find the necessary additional financing. It would also cause extension of the time necessary for naturalisation. The Board needs about 75 000Ls, reported the head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane to the Minister of Justice. This sum is necessary for running the Board in November, December and the next year. Should the money be not allocated, the Board does not see a possibility to continue its activities. This statement was made by the Press Secretary of the Board A.Smilitinieks. Jauna Avize

The representative of Russian Migration Service visited Latvia. They met with their Latvian colleagues and were quiet satisfied with these meetings. This year ends the intergovernmental agreement regulating the procedure of moving from Latvia to Russia and vice versa for permanent residence, working or studies. RFMS representative V.Voloh told the journalists that co-operation between both countries in this sphere was quiet successful and said that during a year and a half 5000 people had moved from Latvia to Russia and 300 from Russia to Latvia.

The representative of Russian Migration Service visited Latvia. They met with their Latvian colleagues and were quiet satisfied with these meetings. This year ends the intergovernmental agreement regulating the procedure of moving from Latvia to Russia and vice versa for permanent residence, working or studies. RFMS representative V.Voloh told the journalists that co-operation between both countries in this sphere was quiet successful and said that during a year and a half 5000 people had moved from Latvia to Russia and 300 from Russia to Latvia. Chas

Latvia President in her address speech on November 18 said that Latvia was special for it large number of non-citizens and asked everybody, residing here for long time to make a choice – “whether I belong to this country or I am only a visitor here”. She asked everybody who wished success for Latvia – to become a Latvian citizen. “ Let us live together, respect each other in our diversity.”

Latvia President in her address speech on November 18 said that Latvia was special for it large number of non-citizens and asked everybody, residing here for long time to make a choice – whether I belong to this country or I am only a visitor here. She asked everybody who wished success for Latvia – to become a Latvian citizen. Let us live together, respect each other in our diversity. Latvijas Vestnesis

The Saeima Speaker J.Straume in his speech said that it was not possible to establish mutual respect between the basic nation and national minorities ignoring the consequences of the long lasting occupation due to which Latvian are a minority in the capital and other cities of Latvia. This situation created political as well as social problems. A goal directed work is necessary to implement in reality the status of the Latvian language. The state language situation has improved in the country, but there are still many things to do let in every institution and enterprise on the whole territory of Latvia the legal right to communicate and receive information in the state language would be ensured. The new Latvian language should be oriented towards this goal. And the reform of the education system should be continued and realisation of such national minority education programs allowing all school graduates to have a command of the state language as the means of mutual communication.

The Saeima Speaker J.Straume in his speech said that it was not possible to establish mutual respect between the basic nation and national minorities ignoring the consequences of the long lasting occupation due to which Latvian are a minority in the capital and other cities of Latvia. This situation created political as well as social problems. A goal directed work is necessary to implement in reality the status of the Latvian language. The state language situation has improved in the country, but there are still many things to do let in every institution and enterprise on the whole territory of Latvia the legal right to communicate and receive information in the state language would be ensured. The new Latvian language should be oriented towards this goal. And the reform of the education system should be continued and realisation of such national minority education programs allowing all school graduates to have a command of the state language as the means of mutual communication. Latvijas Vestnesis