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

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov handed President Yeltsin's statement on security guarantees for Baltic states to President Ulmanis. The Ambassador told the press that the statement suggested several possible options including a pact that would contain political, economic, ecological and humanitarian guarantees. Ambassador Udaltsov informed President Ulmanis about Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin's visit to Latvia in January 1998. Mr. Chernomyrdin will participate in the meeting of Baltic leaders in Riga.

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov handed President Yeltsin's statement on security guarantees for Baltic states to President Ulmanis. The Ambassador told the press that the statement suggested several possible options including a pact that would contain political, economic, ecological and humanitarian guarantees. Ambassador Udaltsov informed President Ulmanis about Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin's visit to Latvia in January 1998. Mr. Chernomyrdin will participate in the meeting of Baltic leaders in Riga. Diena

A chapter of the latest UNDP report on Latvia's development focuses on a thorough analysis of ethnic relations in Latvia and recommendations related to the forming of integrated society. The chapter was prepared by Director of the Center for Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks, political scientist Boris Tsilevich, language experts Tatyana Liguta and Anhelita Kamenska and sociologists Ilmars Mezs and Aivars Tabuns. The authors of the chapter define modern Latvia as "a national state with a multi-cultural society". Still, the state does not guarantee the preservance of cultural identity to ethnic minorities. Minorities in Latvia do not participate in political life of the state since the majority of non-Latvians do not have Latvian citizenship. The report also mentions social research results showing that the percentage of the poor is higher (5 to 10 percent) among non-Latvian population and so is the unemployment rate. The UNDP recommends to abolish the mandatory registration of (ethnic) nationality in passports. The recommendations also include granting of citizenship to all children born in Latvia after the country regained its independence. UNDP experts believe that psychological reasons account for non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization. Although most of non-citizens identify themselves with Latvia, they are offended by the prospect of proving their loyalty to the country during naturalization tests. Statistical data shows a derease in the number of non-citizens willing to undergo naturalization. In this connection, the UNDP does not see any necessity in preserving the "window mechanism."

A chapter of the latest UNDP report on Latvia's development focuses on a thorough analysis of ethnic relations in Latvia and recommendations related to the forming of integrated society. The chapter was prepared by Director of the Center for Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks, political scientist Boris Tsilevich, language experts Tatyana Liguta and Anhelita Kamenska and sociologists Ilmars Mezs and Aivars Tabuns. The authors of the chapter define modern Latvia as "a national state with a multi-cultural society". Still, the state does not guarantee the preservance of cultural identity to ethnic minorities. Minorities in Latvia do not participate in political life of the state since the majority of non-Latvians do not have Latvian citizenship. The report also mentions social research results showing that the percentage of the poor is higher (5 to 10 percent) among non-Latvian population and so is the unemployment rate. The UNDP recommends to abolish the mandatory registration of (ethnic) nationality in passports. The recommendations also include granting of citizenship to all children born in Latvia after the country regained its independence. UNDP experts believe that psychological reasons account for non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization. Although most of non-citizens identify themselves with Latvia, they are offended by the prospect of proving their loyalty to the country during naturalization tests. Statistical data shows a derease in the number of non-citizens willing to undergo naturalization. In this connection, the UNDP does not see any necessity in preserving the "window mechanism." Diena

Saeima member Alekasndrs Bartasevics ("Equal Rights") criticizes Latvian politicians and governing factions for applying "double standards" to minority problem and to the joining of the European Union. Mr. Bartasevics believes that the current approach to the issue of minorities fully excludes the possibility of Latvia joining the Union. Latvia's domestic policies that allow "the interests of the nation to supersede the interests of an individual" contradict its international obligations. Mr. Bartasevics quotes the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights to prove that the Latvian legislation contradicts these human rights instruments by requiring an immaculate knowledge of Latvian by candidates to the Saeima as well as by banning former Communists and KGB agents and officers from running for seats in the Saeima. He stresses that even Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts voted against a provision that would allow international conventions to supersede the Latvian legislation. The provision was included in the initial version of the draft chapter on human rights to be added to the Satversme.

Saeima member Alekasndrs Bartasevics ("Equal Rights") criticizes Latvian politicians and governing factions for applying "double standards" to minority problem and to the joining of the European Union. Mr. Bartasevics believes that the current approach to the issue of minorities fully excludes the possibility of Latvia joining the Union. Latvia's domestic policies that allow "the interests of the nation to supersede the interests of an individual" contradict its international obligations. Mr. Bartasevics quotes the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights to prove that the Latvian legislation contradicts these human rights instruments by requiring an immaculate knowledge of Latvian by candidates to the Saeima as well as by banning former Communists and KGB agents and officers from running for seats in the Saeima. He stresses that even Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts voted against a provision that would allow international conventions to supersede the Latvian legislation. The provision was included in the initial version of the draft chapter on human rights to be added to the Satversme. Diena