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

With a symbolic opening of door and introducing non-citizens with the process of naturalisation the Naturalisation Board started on Wednesday a new tradition – Information Days that in the future woul take place twice a year and not only in the central but also in regional offices. Many interested people arrived; especially popular was the possibility to check one’s state language skills and knowledge of history and Satversme. Among the officials was present President V.Vike-Freiberga who participated in the ceremony of giving the solemn loyalty oath of the 21 new citizens.

With a symbolic opening of door and introducing non-citizens with the process of naturalisation the Naturalisation Board started on Wednesday a new tradition – Information Days that in the future woul take place twice a year and not only in the central but also in regional offices. Many interested people arrived; especially popular was the possibility to check ones state language skills and knowledge of history and Satversme. Among the officials was present President V.Vike-Freiberga who participated in the ceremony of giving the solemn loyalty oath of the 21 new citizens. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya adds that during this event the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane described the status of non-citizen as the most disadvantageous. She was sure that Russia would soon introduce a visa regime also for non-citizens residing in Latvia and then those people would have to choose between Latvian or Russian citizenship.

Vesti Segodnya adds that during this event the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane described the status of non-citizen as the most disadvantageous. She was sure that Russia would soon introduce a visa regime also for non-citizens residing in Latvia and then those people would have to choose between Latvian or Russian citizenship.

On Wednesday the Latvian Way faction unanimously supported the proposal to amend the Party statutes at the next Party congress on Saturday, the members could elect also the First Deputy Chairman. It would allow both the present Chairman A.Pantelejevs and Prime Minister A.Berzins remain in the party leadership and lessen tension within Latvian Way.

On Wednesday the Latvian Way faction unanimously supported the proposal to amend the Party statutes at the next Party congress on Saturday, the members could elect also the First Deputy Chairman. It would allow both the present Chairman A.Pantelejevs and Prime Minister A.Berzins remain in the party leadership and lessen tension within Latvian Way. Diena

The newspaper

The newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed the leader of Peoples Party J.Jurkans. He told journalists that it was a wise decision to establish Union For Human Rights in United Latvia and their Saeima faction was the most European faction. They supported all votes that brought Latvia closer to EU. The faction will run also for the local government election and hope for success in Riga and Latgale.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov proposed in 2001 under the leadership of the CBSS Commissioner to organise a conference to evaluate the situation of national minorities in the Baltic States. According to the information, disseminated by the Russian MFA, I.Ivanov came out with this idea on Tuesday in Moscow at the meeting with the new CBSS Commissioner on Democratic Development Affairs H.Deen. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia should be one of the Commissioner’s priorities because from the solution of these issues depended stability in the Baltic Region.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov proposed in 2001 under the leadership of the CBSS Commissioner to organise a conference to evaluate the situation of national minorities in the Baltic States. According to the information, disseminated by the Russian MFA, I.Ivanov came out with this idea on Tuesday in Moscow at the meeting with the new CBSS Commissioner on Democratic Development Affairs H.Deen. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia should be one of the Commissioners priorities because from the solution of these issues depended stability in the Baltic Region. Lauku Avize

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga admitted that after some years would rise a necessity to reconsider the political conditions of the Citizenship Law that now prohibited former KGB officers to receive the blue passport of Latvian citizen. At the same time the President pointed out that in all countries existed a ban to receive citizenship for those persons who openly were against the state.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga admitted that after some years would rise a necessity to reconsider the political conditions of the Citizenship Law that now prohibited former KGB officers to receive the blue passport of Latvian citizen. At the same time the President pointed out that in all countries existed a ban to receive citizenship for those persons who openly were against the state. Vesti Segodnya

Every month about 3000 permanent residents of Latvia become citizens of some foreign country, mostly Russia. The Naturalisation Board thinks that currently in Latvia live about 20 – 40 000 Russian citizens. At the same time in the year 2000 the Board received 196 applications on giving up Latvian citizenship.

Every month about 3000 permanent residents of Latvia become citizens of some foreign country, mostly Russia. The Naturalisation Board thinks that currently in Latvia live about 20 – 40 000 Russian citizens. At the same time in the year 2000 the Board received 196 applications on giving up Latvian citizenship. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the members of Saeima faction FF/LNNK once again were against the rush to ratify Latvian – Australian agreement on extraditing persons suspected in committing wartime crimes. And it was disregarding the fact that their party leader G.Krasts had agreed to the position of President V.Vike-Freiberga who did not see any obstacles to ratifying this agreement.

Yesterday the members of Saeima faction FF/LNNK once again were against the rush to ratify Latvian – Australian agreement on extraditing persons suspected in committing wartime crimes. And it was disregarding the fact that their party leader G.Krasts had agreed to the position of President V.Vike-Freiberga who did not see any obstacles to ratifying this agreement. Chas

Panorama Latvii

informs its readers that for the position for the Director of Department of Public Integration at the Ministry of Justice was chosen V.Antoniskis – the former Deputy Head of Bureau for Fighting Organised Crime and Corruption. The journalist S.Zaletayev calms down the readers assuring that the new Director will not use handcuffs, arms and rude physical power in his activities. The Department will act in co-operation with the Public Consultative Council on Public Integration Affairs. At the official introduction reception Minister of Justice I.Labucka announced that in the state budget of 2001were allotted 200 000 Lats for integration needs and in 2002 it was planned to spend one Million Ls. Still the journalist is sceptical about the success of these attempts because instead of real integration what means mutual approaching of both Latvians and Russians to form a united society, it is evident that the authorities position is to integrate Russian into the Latvian society. This is not acceptable for people with self-respect. And therefore the answer to all promises of Latvian authorities should be one – at first you ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities, only then we will participate in the public integration program that should be developed in full conformity with the spirit of the Convention. informs its readers that for the position for the Director of Department of Public Integration at the Ministry of Justice was chosen V.Antoniskis – the former Deputy Head of Bureau for Fighting Organised Crime and Corruption. The journalist S.Zaletayev calms down the readers assuring that the new Director will not use handcuffs, arms and rude physical power in his activities. The Department will act in co-operation with the Public Consultative Council on Public Integration Affairs. At the official introduction reception Minister of Justice I.Labucka announced that in the state budget of 2001were allotted 200 000 Lats for integration needs and in 2002 it was planned to spend one Million Ls. Still the journalist is sceptical about the success of these attempts because instead of real integration what means mutual approaching of both Latvians and Russians to form a united society, it is evident that the authorities’ position is to integrate Russian into the Latvian society. This is not acceptable for people with self-respect. And therefore the answer to all promises of Latvian authorities should be one – at first you ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities, only then we will participate in the public integration program that should be developed in full conformity with the spirit of the Convention.