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

NATO Secretary General George Robertson during the press conference on the second day of his visit to Latvia highly evaluated Latvia’s prospects to become a NATO member country. When asked about Russia’s reaction he said that the NATO will try to convince Russia that NATO enlargement is in Russia’s own interests as that will guarantee stability in Central Europe.

NATO Secretary General George Robertson during the press conference on the second day of his visit to Latvia highly evaluated Latvias prospects to become a NATO member country. When asked about Russias reaction he said that the NATO will try to convince Russia that NATO enlargement is in Russias own interests as that will guarantee stability in Central Europe. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

An official of the Russian Defence Ministry sharply criticize Robertson’s favorable expressions about Latvia’s potential NATO integration. He called it an additional threat to Russia’s security.

An official of the Russian Defence Ministry sharply criticize Robertsons favorable expressions about Latvias potential NATO integration. He called it an additional threat to Russias security. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

After the amendments to the law on the status of the former USSR citizens who do not have Latvian citizenship adopte by the Saeima yesterday their status can be taken away only by a court decision. Earlier, it was possible also after the decision of an officer of DCMA.

After the amendments to the law on the status of the former USSR citizens who do not have Latvian citizenship adopte by the Saeima yesterday their status can be taken away only by a court decision. Earlier, it was possible also after the decision of an officer of DCMA. Vesti, Respublika, Jauna Avize, Diena, Neatkariga

Today is the last day when the passports of the former USSR are valid in Latvia. After the estimates of DCMA, 39,000 non-citizens will remain with the old passports after the deadline. Persons who will not have a valid ID after the deadline will not be able to get certain services, like, to receive a pension or benefits, get married or divorced, deal with real estate, etc. but they will not lose their legal status. Jauna Avize writes that about 11,000 Latvian citizens still hol the old USSR passport.

Today is the last day when the passports of the former USSR are valid in Latvia. After the estimates of DCMA, 39,000 non-citizens will remain with the old passports after the deadline. Persons who will not have a valid ID after the deadline will not be able to get certain services, like, to receive a pension or benefits, get married or divorced, deal with real estate, etc. but they will not lose their legal status. Jauna Avize writes that about 11,000 Latvian citizens still hol the old USSR passport. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Vesti

Yesterday, the Russian Foreign Ministry released a critical statement about the interview with the Estonian Foreign Minister Ilves and concluded that Ilves’ expressions have damaged the Estonian – Russian relations.

Yesterday, the Russian Foreign Ministry released a critical statement about the interview with the Estonian Foreign Minister Ilves and concluded that Ilves expressions have damaged the Estonian – Russian relations. Diena, Vesti, Panorama Latvii

After returning from Miscow the Latvian MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Janis Urbanovics told that his Russian counterparts unoficially regret the worsening of the relations between the two countries but Russia will never be an initiator for improving them. Head of the Saeima’s Foreign Commission Guntars Krasts expressed readiness to meet the Russian MPs.

After returning from Miscow the Latvian MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Janis Urbanovics told that his Russian counterparts unoficially regret the worsening of the relations between the two countries but Russia will never be an initiator for improving them. Head of the Saeimas Foreign Commission Guntars Krasts expressed readiness to meet the Russian MPs. Diena

Vesti, Respublika, Panorama Latvii write about the yesterday’s rally near the Saeima builing of about 70 people demanding the municipal election rights for non-citizens. The articles epress the pity that MPs did not come out to meet the demonstrators.

Vesti, Respublika, Panorama Latvii write about the yesterdays rally near the Saeima builing of about 70 people demanding the municipal election rights for non-citizens. The articles epress the pity that MPs did not come out to meet the demonstrators.