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

Saeima

Speake Speakerr Cepanis at a press-conference admitted that the problems of non-citizens "were to be resolved sooner or later." He also recognized the existence of human rights problems in Latvia. Head of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation Vakulenko told the press that there still were fifty differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. Russian Parliamentary Delegation members did not raise the issue of possible economic sanctions against Latvia during their yesterday's meeting with the Cepanis at a press-conference admitted that the problems of non-citizens "were to be resolved sooner or later." He also recognized the existence of human rights problems in Latvia. Head of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation Vakulenko told the press that there still were fifty differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. Russian Parliamentary Delegation members did not raise the issue of possible economic sanctions against Latvia during their yesterday's meeting with the Saeima Saeima Human Rights Committee. Mr. Boris Moiseyev ( Human Rights Committee. Mr. Boris Moiseyev ("Yabloko""Yabloko") even said that applying economic sanctions contradict Russia's interests. According to Head of the Committee Antons Seiksts, Russian Parliament members did not mention the differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. Committee members told the Russian side that it would be improper to say that Russians in Latvia had more problems than in any other former USSR republic. Mr. Seiksts noted that Russia tended to co-ordinate its policy toward non-citizens with the views expressed by the OSCE, the UN and the European Union. Latvia should consider that tendency, stressed Mr. Seiksts. ) even said that applying economic sanctions contradict Russia's interests. According to Head of the Committee Antons Seiksts, Russian Parliament members did not mention the differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. Committee members told the Russian side that it would be improper to say that Russians in Latvia had more problems than in any other former USSR republic. Mr. Seiksts noted that Russia tended to co-ordinate its policy toward non-citizens with the views expressed by the OSCE, the UN and the European Union. Latvia should consider that tendency, stressed Mr. Seiksts. DienaDiena Member of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation Vladimir Nikitin in an interview for

Member of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation Vladimir Nikitin in an interview for "SM" said that Latvia had one of the highest emigration rates among former USSR republics. He referred to Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen who, according to Mr. Nikitin, openly said that human rights violations did not allow to place Latvia and Estonia among democratic nations. (SM, 7 May)

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima Committee on State Administration and Self-Governments voted against amendments to the Law on the Saeima Elections suggested by "Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Latvijas Cels" and "Saimnieks". The amendments establish a seven-percent barrier for coalitions and do not allow parties that have been existing for less than three years to nominate its candidates for the Saeima. Still, the Saeima is expected to consider the first reading of the amendments next week. Diena Boris Tsilevich singles out several models of the Russian-speakers' behavior expected by the authorities. "Fellow-travelers" would recognize the priority of ethnic Latvians and would not demand any extension of their rights. "Money-bags" would finance political parties and self-governments and would not otherwise interfere into politics. Politicians, in their turn, would observe the economic interests of the "money-bags". "Blue collars" is another possible group. These people, according to Tsilevich, are expected not to have any career aspirations and not be interested in politics. "Russian nationalists" could be used by Latvia to show the world the threat faced by the country. Tsilevich believes that the only group that can be clearly distinguished in Latvia today is "Russian businessmen". They manage to collaborate and find common interests with the governing parties. SM