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

The

The Saeima hasadopted the Law on the National Human Rights Office. According to the Law, the Office reports only to the Saeima. The Government, political and non-governmental organizations cannot interfere with the work of the Office. The Office adheres to the Satversme, the Constitutional Law on the Rights and Obligations of an Individual and a Citizen and to international human right instruments acceded by Latvia. The NHRO issued a statement crediting the Saeima. The statement mentions the recognition of the Human Rights Office by the UN as a model for similar institutions to be established in the Baltic states, the CIS, and Central Europe. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Land Privatization in Rural Areas. The amendments grant the right to purchase land to all individuals and legal entities. Non-citizens, foreign citizens, public organizations (with an exception made for religious organizations), foreign companies and legal entities registered in the countries, that have not concluded agreements on investment protection with Latvia before the end of 1996, will not be allowed to purchase land in the state border zone, in national parks, arable land, and forests. "Tevzemei un Brivibai", LNNK, and "Ravnopraviye" voted against the amendments. Diena

Finnish Prime-Minister Lippenen in an interview for

Finnish Prime-Minister Lippenen in an interview for "DAGENS NYHETER" criticized Nordic conservatives for misguiding the Baltic states regarding their chances to join NATO. The Finnish Prime-Minister said that a plan for supporting the joining of NATO by the Baltic states had been blocked in the Nordic Council. "DN", while commenting on the interview, suggested that Finland's concern might be caused by NATO and Russia determining their spheres of influence leaving the country between the two competing powers. Diena

Juris Sinka (

Juris Sinka ("Tevzemei un Brivibai")in an article for "DIENA" claims renouncing of the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty or not referring to it in border talks with Russia to be a violation of the Satversme. The Satversme allows to change the countrys borders only if the decision gains a support of a nation-wide referendum. Sinka suggests concluding an agreement that would refer to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty and establish a well-guarded provisional border with the Pitalovo (Abrene) district of Russia. Diena

An article in

An article in "PANORAMA LATVII" suggests that the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia may not be extended. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is analyzing the work of the Mission. The "consideration" is, in the opinion of the author (Sergey Zaletayev), a deliberate postponing of the final decision. Another sign of the critical situation, according to the article, is a recent letter by High Commissioner van der Stoel to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The letter suggests excluding nationality from the personal data stated in a passport. The issue has not been raised before, although the OSCE was aware of its existence. The efforts of the OSCE were focused on more important problems. The author believes that the step taken by the High Commissioner shows that the OSCE "has nothing to lose". Nationality is not stated in a traditional way in non-citizens' passports. It is indicated in the "special marks" section. President Ulmanis not mentioning the OSCE Mission in his speech at the OSCE Summit is another symptom. The article admits that the Mission cannot be a "remedy for all problems". Still, "even if it managed to help only a dozen of families", its further presence in Latvia is needed. PL

France has recognized "brown" non-citizens' passports, and its Embassy is now issuing visas to their holders.

France has recognized "brown" non-citizens' passports, and its Embassy is now issuing visas to their holders. PL

Applicants for Russian passports are storming the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Riga. The rush has been caused by a requirement to apply for residence permits before the end of this year. CID Deputy-Director Leins told

Applicants for Russian passports are storming the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Riga. The rush has been caused by a requirement to apply for residence permits before the end of this year. CID Deputy-Director Leins told "SM" that the term would be extended. He also said that renouncing Russian citizenship was unwise since foreigners "enjoyed protection of a country of residence and of his or her own state". According to Mr. Leins foreigners whose pensions are paid by Latvia will not be deprived of them. Latvia terminates the payments only if a person emigrates or repatriates from the country. He expects that the Latvian authorities will agree with the Russian side on putting "propiska" stamps in Russian passports. Although a residence permit sticker has a special place for re-registration, the space will be crossed out in permanent residence stickers. SM