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

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs is taking part in the Session of the UN General Assembly. Mr. Birkavs will meet prominent politicians including EU Commissioner van den Broek and Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov. The agenda of the meeting with Mr. Primakov will cover the entire spectrum of relations between the two countries. The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs hopes that the border agreement with Russia will be signed this year. The Russian delegation will raise the issue of human rights in the Baltic states at the Assembly. Mr. Birkavs told

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs is taking part in the Session of the UN General Assembly. Mr. Birkavs will meet prominent politicians including EU Commissioner van den Broek and Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov. The agenda of the meeting with Mr. Primakov will cover the entire spectrum of relations between the two countries. The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs hopes that the border agreement with Russia will be signed this year. The Russian delegation will raise the issue of human rights in the Baltic states at the Assembly. Mr. Birkavs told "DIENA" that Latvia managed to persuade the UN not to include the issue in the agenda of the Session.

"NEATKARIGA"

interviewed Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Charles Magee. Mr. Magee mentioned the issue of retired servicemen as the most important problem resolved during his term in the office. The Mission is contributing to improving the work of the Citizenship and Immigration Department and is monitoring naturalization tests. The Mission would welcome more simple test requirements. Mr. Magee explained that the Mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia included a broad spectrum of citizenship-related issues. Therefore, the Mission had to establish close contacts with the CID, the Naturalization Board and the State Human Rights Office. While touching upon the low rate of the naturalization process, Mr. Magee admitted that the issue was quite complex and required a thorough study. He believes that many non-citizens have nothing against naturalization but do not feel like rushing for Latvian citizenship immediately. Mr. Magee stressed that members of naturalization test boards were unbiased and honest. The OSCE Mission believes that the Ls 30 naturalization fee could be reduced. Mr. Magee pointed to the support of the Mission's further stay in Latvia by the CID, the Naturalization Board and the Human Rights Office. The final decision on the status of the Mission and on the possible extension of its mandate is to be made by the OSCE Permanent Council. In his interview Mr. Magee said that he was happy to see Mr. Samuel as his successor. interviewed Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Charles Magee. Mr. Magee mentioned the issue of retired servicemen as the most important problem resolved during his term in the office. The Mission is contributing to improving the work of the Citizenship and Immigration Department and is monitoring naturalization tests. The Mission would welcome more simple test requirements. Mr. Magee explained that the Mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia included a broad spectrum of citizenship-related issues. Therefore, the Mission had to establish close contacts with the CID, the Naturalization Board and the State Human Rights Office. While touching upon the low rate of the naturalization process, Mr. Magee admitted that the issue was quite complex and required a thorough study. He believes that many non-citizens have nothing against naturalization but do not feel like rushing for Latvian citizenship immediately. Mr. Magee stressed that members of naturalization test boards were unbiased and honest. The OSCE Mission believes that the Ls 30 naturalization fee could be reduced. Mr. Magee pointed to the support of the Mission's further stay in Latvia by the CID, the Naturalization Board and the Human Rights Office. The final decision on the status of the Mission and on the possible extension of its mandate is to be made by the OSCE Permanent Council. In his interview Mr. Magee said that he was happy to see Mr. Samuel as his successor. NeatkarigaNeatkariga