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

Press Review

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov held a press-conference marking his first month in office. Mr. Udaltsov described the Long-Term Doctrine for Relations with the Baltic States as a document focused, among other aspects, on protection of Russia's interests in the region. According to Udaltsov, the program of Russia's relations with the Baltic states is remarkable for its pragmatic approach. The Ambassador stressed that Latvia and Russia had resolved the problems of troop withdrawal, the Skrunda radar station and retired servicemen despite the pressure from radical politicians. Both countries should develop mutual confidence and understanding and practice "a more predictable policy" toward each other, said Udaltsov. He explained that the full text of the Doctrine was not available to the media since it was a working document. Mr. Udaltsov stressed that Russian-speakers still had problems in Latvia and that Russia was not excluding the possibility of "using economic factors" to influence Latvian politics toward non-citizens. In that connection the Ambassador referred to the 1991 agreement between Russia and Latvia that provided for granting of Latvian citizenship to all its permanent residents ratified by Latvia. The Russian Parliament refused to ratify the agreement after it became clear that Latvia was not going to observe its conditions on citizenship. According to Mr. Udaltsov, 65 thousand Russian citizens are registered at the Russian Embassy. The Embassy will not hand the lists of Russian citizens residing in Latvia to the Latvian side.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov held a press-conference marking his first month in office. Mr. Udaltsov described the Long-Term Doctrine for Relations with the Baltic States as a document focused, among other aspects, on protection of Russia's interests in the region. According to Udaltsov, the program of Russia's relations with the Baltic states is remarkable for its pragmatic approach. The Ambassador stressed that Latvia and Russia had resolved the problems of troop withdrawal, the Skrunda radar station and retired servicemen despite the pressure from radical politicians. Both countries should develop mutual confidence and understanding and practice "a more predictable policy" toward each other, said Udaltsov. He explained that the full text of the Doctrine was not available to the media since it was a working document. Mr. Udaltsov stressed that Russian-speakers still had problems in Latvia and that Russia was not excluding the possibility of "using economic factors" to influence Latvian politics toward non-citizens. In that connection the Ambassador referred to the 1991 agreement between Russia and Latvia that provided for granting of Latvian citizenship to all its permanent residents ratified by Latvia. The Russian Parliament refused to ratify the agreement after it became clear that Latvia was not going to observe its conditions on citizenship. According to Mr. Udaltsov, 65 thousand Russian citizens are registered at the Russian Embassy. The Embassy will not hand the lists of Russian citizens residing in Latvia to the Latvian side. Diena, SM

Yesterday

Yesterday Saeima Speaker Alfreds Cepanis and Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznev during their meeting in Moscow stressed that Russia and Latvia should get rid of "the elements of cold war" in their relations. Deputy-Speaker of the Russian Duma Aleksandr Shohin told Latvian representatives that observance of the rights of "compatriots" in Latvia was considered a priority issue by Russia. Mr. Seleznev also touched upon Latvia's intention to join NATO and said that the Russian Government was concerned about the prospect. Today Mr. Cepanis is meeting Head of the President's Administration Chubais and Chairman of the Federation Council Stroyev. Diena, B&B