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

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the final reading of Latvia's agreement with

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the final reading of Latvia's agreement with OPAB/AMOCO. A statement by the Lithuanian Parliament of October 23 was circulated among the Saeima deputies before the voting. The statement said that by ratifying the agreement Latvia would violate Lithuania's exclusive right for its natural resources, the 1992 UN Sea Convention, the OSCE Helsinki Act, and the 1934 Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation. The agreement, if ratified, would not have any legal force, said the statement. Mr. Janis Jurkans was the only one to suggest postponing the ratification until Lithuania forms a new Cabinet. Chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Indulis Berzins told "DIENA" Lithuania could respond by unilaterally determining its sea border. That, according to Berzins, would contradict the 1993 agreement on the land border between the two countries. Lithuanian President Brazauskas told BNS the ratification might impair relations between Latvia and Lithuania. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gilis doubts that talks between the two countries are possible in the nearest future after the agreement with the oil companies has been ratified. Diena, Neatkariga, B&B

Several Russian war ships and a submarine entered Latvia's economic zone again on October 23. This time Latvian Government has made no official statements on the issue.

Several Russian war ships and a submarine entered Latvia's economic zone again on October 23. This time Latvian Government has made no official statements on the issue. Diena

Former Minister of the Interior Adamsons joined the Social-Democratic Workers' Party. Mr. Adamsons, formerly a

Former Minister of the Interior Adamsons joined the Social-Democratic Workers' Party. Mr. Adamsons, formerly a "Latvijas Cels" member, says he expects "the consolidation of all left-wing forces." Diena

Today Prime-Minister Skele is expected to meet Mr. Ziedonis Cevers to discuss the Premier's future relations with

Today Prime-Minister Skele is expected to meet Mr. Ziedonis Cevers to discuss the Premier's future relations with "Saimnieks". The party warned Mr. Skele it could leave the Cabinet should its suggestions on the state budget be ignored. "Saimnieks" objects against several draft laws while the Prime-Minister has the right to reorganize the Cabinet in exceptional cases (e.i., when important decisions are blocked by some of the governing parties. Diena

Natalja Lebedeva in her article for

Natalja Lebedeva in her article for "SM" analyzes the effect of Latvia ratifying the European Human Rights Convention. The ratification will not resolve any of the country's problems, writes Lebedeva. The only advantage obtained by its inhabitants will be the right to apply to the European Human Rights Court. It might take the Court up to three years to review an individual case, making the institution of little use to ethnic minorities in Latvia. Lebedeva refers to the ODIHR experts who had pointed at the absence of an anti-discrimination article in the list of fundamental rights and liberties that is a part of the Convention. Article 14 does not say anything about Restriction of minority rights. Lebedeva is surprised by the fact that OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel has been "paying astonishingly little attention to the issue" lately. The conclusion was made by Lebedeva after the High Commissioner's visit to Latvia this October. Lebedeva points at serious discussions the High Commissioner had with the leaders of Macedonia on the problems of the local Albanian minority. The agenda included education of Macedonian Albanians in their native language and their participation in the government institutions. Still, the High Commissioner gives no comments on the fact that Latvia's government officials being recruited exclusively from ethnic Latvians, says the article. Since international experts admit the CE Parliamentary Assembly recommendations to have weak effect on minority situation, the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia should "fight if not for themselves, than for their children's future, at least", writes Lebedeva. SM

Russia's Ambassador to Latvia Rannih in an interview for

Russia's Ambassador to Latvia Rannih in an interview for "SM" says Latvian politicians "are trying to accuse Russia in all possible deadly sins". He sees a recent reaction to the incident in Latvia's economic zone a striking example of an anti-Russian campaign. Mr. Rannih believes Latvia and Russia have "excellent prerequisites for establishing stable political and economic relations". Russia is fulfilling all its obligations toward Latvia, stresses Rannih. Main obstacles to the dialogue between the two countries, according to the Ambassador, are the border problem and the issue of noncitizens. Mr. Rannih says Russia is feeling a moral responsibility for noncitizen Russian speakers but cannot take a material responsibility for them. Russian-speaking tax-payers should have an access to state-financed education in their native tongue, says Mr. Rannih. He stresses the importance of an uninterrupted dialogue between Russia and Latvia for both countries. Touching again on minority problems, Rannih says Russia will raise the issue during its talks with Latvia and on the international scale "in New-York, London and Paris". He notes that Latvia will not be admitted to the European Council without having resolved the problem of the Russian-speaking minority. The EC will not welcome a country having complicated relations with Russia, says Rannih. According to the Ambassador, Russian side will not apply severe measures (sanctions, etc.) but will still find the ways to influence the situation in Latvia. Mr. Rannih expects the left-wing forces will consolidate during next election in Latvia and will start playing a much more important part in the country's political life. This will change economic and political situation in the country. The policy toward noncitizens might become more liberal after the country's economic resources are finally "redistributed", believes Rannih. He suggests Latvia's future development might be more dynamic and fast than Russia's. SM