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 Review

Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe during their meeting with heads of the Saeima fractions stressed the importance of guarantees for adequate implementation of the Citizenship Law. Article 29 of the Law provides for control of the implementation of the Law by a special Saeima commission. Head of the "Equal rights" fraction Mr.Stroganov pointed out that the Law did no specify the required level of the command of the Latvian language. Mr.Pantelejevs of "Latvijas Cels" noted that the joining of the Council of Europe by Latvia could be a guarantee for its observance. The Council of Europe representatives were content with the fact that the deputies did not suggest to amend the Law. The representatives of the Council of Europe also had meetings with Head of the Saeima Commission for Human Rights Mrs.Inese Birzniece and representatives of ethnic communities. The latter marked that several laws restricted economical rights of non-citizens.

Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe during their meeting with heads of the Saeima fractions stressed the importance of guarantees for adequate implementation of the Citizenship Law. Article 29 of the Law provides for control of the implementation of the Law by a special Saeima commission. Head of the "Equal rights" fraction Mr.Stroganov pointed out that the Law did no specify the required level of the command of the Latvian language. Mr.Pantelejevs of "Latvijas Cels" noted that the joining of the Council of Europe by Latvia could be a guarantee for its observance. The Council of Europe representatives were content with the fact that the deputies did not suggest to amend the Law. The representatives of the Council of Europe also had meetings with Head of the Saeima Commission for Human Rights Mrs.Inese Birzniece and representatives of ethnic communities. The latter marked that several laws restricted economical rights of non-citizens. Diena

President Yeltsin in his statement issued on August 4 criticized the Citizenship Law and informed the Latvian Government that the adoption of the Law will influence Russia's economical policies towards Latvia. He also stressed that Russia would grant its citizenship to all ethnic Russians residing abroad who wished to receive it. Latvian Ministry for Foreign Affairs expressed it regret in connection with the fact that Russian side had not assessed the Law on the basis of internationally recognized principles used by the CSCE, the Council of Europe, and the European Union. Russian Embassy to Latvia has not expressed its official point of view yet. Its Press-Secretary Mr.Yonkin expressed the opinion that the statement by President Yeltsin did not mean the suspension of troop withdrawal from Latvia.

President Yeltsin in his statement issued on August 4 criticized the Citizenship Law and informed the Latvian Government that the adoption of the Law will influence Russia's economical policies towards Latvia. He also stressed that Russia would grant its citizenship to all ethnic Russians residing abroad who wished to receive it. Latvian Ministry for Foreign Affairs expressed it regret in connection with the fact that Russian side had not assessed the Law on the basis of internationally recognized principles used by the CSCE, the Council of Europe, and the European Union. Russian Embassy to Latvia has not expressed its official point of view yet. Its Press-Secretary Mr.Yonkin expressed the opinion that the statement by President Yeltsin did not mean the suspension of troop withdrawal from Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga

The LNNK leadership promised to complete the list of a new government on Friday and to submit the list and the government's declaration to the Saeima and the President on Monday. The forming of the new government was delayed due to refusal by several candidates to take posts suggested to them. There are still several vacant posts including the Minister of Economics, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Education and Culture. Mr.Aleksandrs Kirsteins refuses to take a post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The LNNK leadership promised to complete the list of a new government on Friday and to submit the list and the government's declaration to the Saeima and the President on Monday. The forming of the new government was delayed due to refusal by several candidates to take posts suggested to them. There are still several vacant posts including the Minister of Economics, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Education and Culture. Mr.Aleksandrs Kirsteins refuses to take a post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Diena, Labrit

Participants of the Forum of Political parties agreed on three basic demands towards a new government including the implementation of the Citizenship Law without attempting to introduce changes into it, support of the ratification of the agreements with Russia, respect for the integrity of the society, inacceptability of illegal political prosecution. A government declaration should contain clear statements regarding all these issues. Mr.Anbdrejs Krastins said that LNNK has no plans regarding the introduction of amendments to the Citizenship Law. The decision on the introduction of the amendments was made by the LNNK Council but not by the party itself. If the LNNK government is not approved by the Saeima "Lavtijas Cels" will try to form a coalition government with LNNK. The Extraordinary Session of the Saeima that will make a decision on the new cabinet is expected to be held after August 15.

Participants of the Forum of Political parties agreed on three basic demands towards a new government including the implementation of the Citizenship Law without attempting to introduce changes into it, support of the ratification of the agreements with Russia, respect for the integrity of the society, inacceptability of illegal political prosecution. A government declaration should contain clear statements regarding all these issues. Mr.Anbdrejs Krastins said that LNNK has no plans regarding the introduction of amendments to the Citizenship Law. The decision on the introduction of the amendments was made by the LNNK Council but not by the party itself. If the LNNK government is not approved by the Saeima "Lavtijas Cels" will try to form a coalition government with LNNK. The Extraordinary Session of the Saeima that will make a decision on the new cabinet is expected to be held after August 15. Diena, Labrit

The CID has discovered that the data contained in the official lists of retired servicemen provided by Russia contradicted the information at the disposal of the Department. Around 500 persons out of the total of 22,320 do not comply with conditions set by the agreements; they were demobilized after January 28, 1992. According to Head of the Saeima Commission for Foreign affairs Mr.Kirsteins those discrepancies will not influence the ratification of the agreements by the Saeima. It is possible that the Commission will postpone the consideration of agreements on pensioned officers until explanation on errors discovered in the lists is provided by the Russian party. Mr.Kirstein's opinion is that the agreements should be ratified only after they are ratified by the Russian Parliament. The Russian Parliament also postponed the ratification until October when it returns from summer vacations.

The CID has discovered that the data contained in the official lists of retired servicemen provided by Russia contradicted the information at the disposal of the Department. Around 500 persons out of the total of 22,320 do not comply with conditions set by the agreements; they were demobilized after January 28, 1992. According to Head of the Saeima Commission for Foreign affairs Mr.Kirsteins those discrepancies will not influence the ratification of the agreements by the Saeima. It is possible that the Commission will postpone the consideration of agreements on pensioned officers until explanation on errors discovered in the lists is provided by the Russian party. Mr.Kirstein's opinion is that the agreements should be ratified only after they are ratified by the Russian Parliament. The Russian Parliament also postponed the ratification until October when it returns from summer vacations. Diena, Neatkariga