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

Press Report

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic Council states in their analysis of Commissioner Espersen's report expressed concern about violation of children's rights and the situation of asylum seekers. Mr. Ole Espersen stressed that Latvia ignored recommendations by the Council on granting non-citizens the right to vote in local elections. The Baltic Council suggested that the right could be given to non-citizens who had been residing in Latvia for three of five years. Russian Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Avdeyev at a press-conference said that the Baltic Council should focus more on minority rights, the problem being "like an oil stain on a smooth surface of the Baltic Sea."

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic Council states in their analysis of Commissioner Espersen's report expressed concern about violation of children's rights and the situation of asylum seekers. Mr. Ole Espersen stressed that Latvia ignored recommendations by the Council on granting non-citizens the right to vote in local elections. The Baltic Council suggested that the right could be given to non-citizens who had been residing in Latvia for three of five years. Russian Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Avdeyev at a press-conference said that the Baltic Council should focus more on minority rights, the problem being "like an oil stain on a smooth surface of the Baltic Sea." Diena, SM Mag. Phil. Maris Rutks insists on the positive role of nationalism in strengthening the independence of Latvia. He quotes Head of the OSCE Mission Charles Magee who said that further retaining of the large number of non-citizens would sustain a certain tension in the Latvian society. Mr. Rutks believes that the tension will remain anyway since most of non-citizens "have different traditions, language and economic and political values." Diena

According to Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department Solvite Mellupe, holders of new alien passports will be able to enter Russia in late August or early September. Latvia and Russia will exchange official notes before August 1 and Russia will issue regulations for its Consular Departments in Latvia within thirty days after the exchange. Holder of alien passports will have to apply for an entry permit to the Russian Embassy. The permit will give the right for a multiple entry to Russia within one year. Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Valery Nesterushkin told the press yesterday that the Russian side had drafted an agreement between the two countries on resolving the citizenship.

According to Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department Solvite Mellupe, holders of new alien passports will be able to enter Russia in late August or early September. Latvia and Russia will exchange official notes before August 1 and Russia will issue regulations for its Consular Departments in Latvia within thirty days after the exchange. Holder of alien passports will have to apply for an entry permit to the Russian Embassy. The permit will give the right for a multiple entry to Russia within one year. Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Valery Nesterushkin told the press yesterday that the Russian side had drafted an agreement between the two countries on resolving the citizenship. B&B

International Program Director of the "Union of Councils" human rights organizations Leonid Stonov held a press-conference yesterday. Mr. Stonov stressed that the large number of non-citizens was Latvia's major human rights problem. His organization regularly informs the US Congress and the President's Administration about human rights violations both in the US and abroad. Mr. Stonov believes that Latvia could grant citizenship to all its inhabitants who permanently resided in the country on the moment it regained independence. 

International Program Director of the "Union of Councils" human rights organizations Leonid Stonov held a press-conference yesterday. Mr. Stonov stressed that the large number of non-citizens was Latvia's major human rights problem. His organization regularly informs the US Congress and the President's Administration about human rights violations both in the US and abroad. Mr. Stonov believes that Latvia could grant citizenship to all its inhabitants who permanently resided in the country on the moment it regained independence.

An article in

An article in "SM" by Oleg Schiptsov points at numerous discrepancies between the draft Education Law and the Hague Recommendations. The document recommends providing education in minority languages in elementary schools and making higher education available to minorities in their native languages. The draft Law puts harder restrictions on the use of minority languages as languages of instruction in elementary and secondary schools and does not provide for the use of languages other than Latvian in vocational schools and universities.