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 Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts held a press-conference upon his return from Brussels and Denmark. Mr. Krasts claimed that his talks with EU Commission Chairman Mr. Saunter had proved the problem of non-citizens to be of minor importance. The Latvian Prime-Minister does not believe it could influence the joining of the EU by Latvia. According to Mr. Krasts, European Parliament deputies believe the Latvian legislation to be acceptable since it clearly defines the age groups entitled to obtain citizenship through naturalization. The Prime-Minister mentioned the analysis non-citizens' situation by some Danish independent research group highly praising Latvia's approach to the problem. Mr. Krasts said that he supported the ratification of the Refugee Convention that would apply it to all refugees regardless of whether they entered Latvia from Europe or from the rest of the world. He admitted that his point of view differed from the concept supported by his party (

Latvian Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts held a press-conference upon his return from Brussels and Denmark. Mr. Krasts claimed that his talks with EU Commission Chairman Mr. Saunter had proved the problem of non-citizens to be of minor importance. The Latvian Prime-Minister does not believe it could influence the joining of the EU by Latvia. According to Mr. Krasts, European Parliament deputies believe the Latvian legislation to be acceptable since it clearly defines the age groups entitled to obtain citizenship through naturalization. The Prime-Minister mentioned the analysis non-citizens' situation by some Danish independent research group highly praising Latvia's approach to the problem. Mr. Krasts said that he supported the ratification of the Refugee Convention that would apply it to all refugees regardless of whether they entered Latvia from Europe or from the rest of the world. He admitted that his point of view differed from the concept supported by his party ("Tevzemei un Brivibai"). The Prime-Minister told the press that he would discuss the issue with the "TB" faction. Mr. Krasts said that EU experts would examine the updated statistical information on Latvia's economy. PL, B&B, Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs had a meeting with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Evgeny Primakov in New-York on September 26. Mr. Primakov said that Russia was developing a new policy toward the Baltic states aimed at establishing long-term, balanced and neighborly relations with the three countries. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the situation of "compatriots" in Latvia and the country's plans of joining NATO. Mr. Primakov said that Russia would expect Latvia to implement OSCE recommendations on non-citizens. Russia would not like those people to repatriate, said Primakov. He believes non-citizens to be loyal to Latvia and able to integrate in the Latvian society. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs suggested to resolve security issues through bilateral talks. Russia also welcomed the participation of Nordic countries and the USA in providing security guarantees to Latvia. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that Latvia adhered to a different security concept and would not consider any alternatives to NATO membership.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs had a meeting with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Evgeny Primakov in New-York on September 26. Mr. Primakov said that Russia was developing a new policy toward the Baltic states aimed at establishing long-term, balanced and neighborly relations with the three countries. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the situation of "compatriots" in Latvia and the country's plans of joining NATO. Mr. Primakov said that Russia would expect Latvia to implement OSCE recommendations on non-citizens. Russia would not like those people to repatriate, said Primakov. He believes non-citizens to be loyal to Latvia and able to integrate in the Latvian society. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs suggested to resolve security issues through bilateral talks. Russia also welcomed the participation of Nordic countries and the USA in providing security guarantees to Latvia. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that Latvia adhered to a different security concept and would not consider any alternatives to NATO membership. Diena