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

Prime Minister Andris Berzins Monday demanded explanations from Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis over his statements describing Belarus as an opponent of Latvia and, after the explanation is received, it will be possible to theoretically discuss Kristovskis resignation.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins Monday demanded explanations from Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis over his statements describing Belarus as an opponent of Latvia and, after the explanation is received, it will be possible to theoretically discuss Kristovskis resignation. Neatkariga

Interior Minister Mareks Seglins Monday ordered security police chief to examine remarks by leader Lindermans and other members of Victory, the local branch of Russia's radical National Bolshevik organisation, about the possible reaction on Riga Regional Court's judgement in Russia's National Bolsheviks case. Linderman told reporters after the court judgement was pronounced that he would fight for liberation of the convicted National Bolsheviks with all legal methods. He said that "as a specialist" he does not rule out that all Latvian nationals who are abroad may occur in hostage situation. Linderman also pledged to achieve purposeful actions from "Russia's bureaucracy" so it at last begins protecting its citizens. He swore to achieve a result that would not "seem insufficient".

Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii Six left-wing deputies at Riga City Council continue to refuse to meet with the specialists of the State Language Centre to have examined their Latvian language skills. The Mayor G.Bojars has asked Council’s Legal Committee to explore the ways to ensure that deputies’ language proficiency is examined.

Six left-wing deputies at Riga City Council continue to refuse to meet with the specialists of the State Language Centre to have examined their Latvian language skills. The Mayor G.Bojars has asked Councils Legal Committee to explore the ways to ensure that deputies language proficiency is examined. Rigas Balss

The campaign called "Lets give back signs in Russian for the streets of Riga!" launched by

The campaign called "Lets give back signs in Russian for the streets of Riga!" launched by Vesti Segodnja has stirred up alarm in many Latvian officials, reports the newspaper. The campaign offers free advertising for companies with street signs also in Russian. The offer gives free advertisement for any retail or service company with signs not only in Latvian, but also in Russian, reminding that the State language law does not ban the use of the Russian language. Saeima Education and Culture Committee chairman Dz.Abikis and State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsha expressed their dissatisfaction with such campaign, however, the State Language Centre cannot do anything as the campaign is legal.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers accepted draft directive on singing “European Council Convention on Citizenship of 6 November, 1997”. The Latvian law is in general consistent with the convention but upon the ratification some reservations should be made in respect of provisions differing from the current citizenship law.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers accepted draft directive on singing European Council Convention on Citizenship of 6 November, 1997. The Latvian law is in general consistent with the convention but upon the ratification some reservations should be made in respect of provisions differing from the current citizenship law. Latvijas Vestnesis

Chas gives its comments on what happens if the Convention is ratified – first of all Latvian non-citizens acquire the status of stateless persons as in Europe there is no such status as “a non-citizen” and the concern is that Latvia is going to add to the Convention a specific norm stating that the state is not going to make naturalisation for this category easier. Second, Latvia says that the norm providing for the certain obligations of a new country towards the citizens of the former country does not apply to Latvia and the citizens of the former USSR.

Chas gives its comments on what happens if the Convention is ratified – first of all Latvian non-citizens acquire the status of stateless persons as in Europe there is no such status as a non-citizen and the concern is that Latvia is going to add to the Convention a specific norm stating that the state is not going to make naturalisation for this category easier. Second, Latvia says that the norm providing for the certain obligations of a new country towards the citizens of the former country does not apply to Latvia and the citizens of the former USSR.

Respublika

informs that European Human Rights Court has not decided yet either to accept the case of A.Lavents Banka Baltija versus the Republic of Latvia for the revision. informs that European Human Rights Court has not decided yet either to accept the case of A.Lavents “Banka Baltija” versus the Republic of Latvia for the revision.

Respublika

writes about the launching of society integration project. The project was k developed by the Naturalisation Board as well as UNDP, OSCE Mission to Latvia, Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice. The main aim of the project is to provide to all people of Latvia detailed information concerning citizenship and naturalisation issues. The funding for the project amounts to USD 200 000 and it could be considered the first donation of foreign sponsors for Society Integration Programme. writes about the launching of society integration project. The project was k developed by the Naturalisation Board as well as UNDP, OSCE Mission to Latvia, Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice. The main aim of the project is to provide to all people of Latvia detailed information concerning citizenship and naturalisation issues. The funding for the project amounts to USD 200 000 and it could be considered the first donation of foreign sponsors for Society Integration Programme.