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

Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Valery Nesterushkin told the press yesterday that the introduction of new non-citizens' passports in Latvia contradicted the UN Convention on Reduction of Statelessness. According to Mr. Nesterushkin, the Russian side was considering the new passport in the context of "mass statelessness in Latvia". Russia is concerned about the status of more than 700 thousand of Latvia's permanent residents most of whom are ethnic Russians. Mr. Nesterushkin also stressed that Latvia was not taking any noticeable steps toward reducing the number of non-citizens. He noted that the existing situation "should not disturb former USSR citizens since their documents are still valid for entering Russia at least until the end of 1997.” Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov told the press that the Embassy was aware of the problems that might be faced by Latvia's residents as a result of Russia refusing to recognize the new passport. He assured the press that Moscow would "take into consideration" those problems "when making its final decision". Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Andrejs Pildegovics told

Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Valery Nesterushkin told the press yesterday that the introduction of new non-citizens' passports in Latvia contradicted the UN Convention on Reduction of Statelessness. According to Mr. Nesterushkin, the Russian side was considering the new passport in the context of "mass statelessness in Latvia". Russia is concerned about the status of more than 700 thousand of Latvia's permanent residents most of whom are ethnic Russians. Mr. Nesterushkin also stressed that Latvia was not taking any noticeable steps toward reducing the number of non-citizens. He noted that the existing situation "should not disturb former USSR citizens since their documents are still valid for entering Russia at least until the end of 1997. Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov told the press that the Embassy was aware of the problems that might be faced by Latvia's residents as a result of Russia refusing to recognize the new passport. He assured the press that Moscow would "take into consideration" those problems "when making its final decision". Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Andrejs Pildegovics told "DIENA" that the statement by Mr. Nesterushkin was an attempt to politicize the introduction of the new passports. He expressed regret about Russia ignoring OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's suggestion to recognize the new non-citizen's passport. Diena

Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Charles Magee in an interview for

Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Charles Magee in an interview for "DIENA" positively evaluated the work of the Naturalization Board. The Board was not responsible for the slow pace of naturalization, said Mr. Magee. He confirmed that in the beginning of the naturalization process the Board as well as the OSCE Mission expected a considerably larger number of applicants (40-50 thousand per year). The Head of the OSCE Mission believes that an information campaign on naturalization is required. He admitted that a large portion of non-citizens was indifferent toward naturalization but did not show any signs of disloyalty to Latvia. Mr. Magee said that the OSCE Mission would welcome the abolishment of several employment restrictions. He confirmed that the OSCE supported the canceling of the "window mechanism" and noted that several Latvian politicians and Government officials, including President Ulmanis and CID Director Zitars shared that point of view. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima banned independent deputy Gundars Valdmanis' from participating in the next six plenary sessions as a penalty for offending the Saeima. Mr. Valdmanis called the Governing Coalition Council "a gang of criminals" during a debate. Opposition factions voted against Saeima Speaker Cepanis' suggestion on Mr. Valdmanis and protested by blocking the voting on amendments to the Satversme. Diena