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

Last Wednesday the

Last Wednesday the Saeima Committee on Human Rights and Social Affairs supported a suggestion by "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK on postponing the complete ratification of the Geneva Convention on Refugees. "TB"/LNNK proposed to apply the Convention to all refugees irrespective of the countries of their original residence only after 2000. Press-Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrejs Pildegovics told "DIENA" that the West could suspend its aid to the refugee center program in case the decision was adopted by the Saeima. Moreover, Latvia would not be able to establish a non-visa regime with Sweden and Finland. The Saeima plenary meeting on the issue will be held next week. The current version of the Law on the Ratification of the Geneva Convention applies the latter only to refugees entering Latvia from European countries. The Saeima has already adopted the first reading of the amendment to the Law that would allow to apply it to all refugees. Diena

The

The "Brivibai" ("For Freedom") society has formed a Saeima faction. The new faction consists of five independent deputies supporting the idea of universal presidential elections. Diena

Estonia adopted the law on education that provides for closing all Russian language state-financed schools in 2007. The opponents of the law point to the high percentage (around 40%) of Russian-speaking tax payers.

Estonia adopted the law on education that provides for closing all Russian language state-financed schools in 2007. The opponents of the law point to the high percentage (around 40%) of Russian-speaking tax payers. B&B