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

Diena Ambassador: Latvian – Russian relations are on the critical limit
Neatkariga Relations with Russia approach the critical limit
Vesti Segodnya Are Latvia and Russia ready to forget the former offences?
Chas Latvia and Russia on the dangerous limit
Respublika Russian day of the Latvian President

The highest officials of the state are worried about the current situation in Latvian – Russian relations. Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov frankly acknowledged to the President V.V.Freiberga that the relations between the two countries had reached a dangerous limit. After this meeting A.Udaltsov stated that he was worried about the bilateral relations. Both officials agreed that active steps should be taken to stop this tendency. Therefore obstacles preventing improvement of relations should be realised. A.Udaltsov pointed out that both countries spoke more about the past, but it was necessary to turn to the future let we never became hostages of the past. He also said that Latvian and Russian people have no claims against each other, but unfortunately some politicians tried to manipulate with the public opinion. As a result there were unpleasant situations for both countries that, according to A.Udaltsov could have more serious consequences – not only political, but also economical. The diplomat confirmed that Russian MFA was against imposing sanctions and together with the Government they tried to block this intention. When speaking about the announcements of his countrymen about a possibility to kidnap the Latvian Ambassador or use nuclear weapons against Latvia, A.Udaltsov characterised them as “irresponsible talk”.

The highest officials of the state are worried about the current situation in Latvian – Russian relations. Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov frankly acknowledged to the President V.V.Freiberga that the relations between the two countries had reached a dangerous limit. After this meeting A.Udaltsov stated that he was worried about the bilateral relations. Both officials agreed that active steps should be taken to stop this tendency. Therefore obstacles preventing improvement of relations should be realised. A.Udaltsov pointed out that both countries spoke more about the past, but it was necessary to turn to the future let we never became hostages of the past. He also said that Latvian and Russian people have no claims against each other, but unfortunately some politicians tried to manipulate with the public opinion. As a result there were unpleasant situations for both countries that, according to A.Udaltsov could have more serious consequences – not only political, but also economical. The diplomat confirmed that Russian MFA was against imposing sanctions and together with the Government they tried to block this intention. When speaking about the announcements of his countrymen about a possibility to kidnap the Latvian Ambassador or use nuclear weapons against Latvia, A.Udaltsov characterised them as irresponsible talk.

According to the Press Secretary of the President, V.V.Freiberga had pointed out her wish let the relations between both countries develop pragmatically and in a constructive way. (Latvian newspapers

According to the Press Secretary of the President, V.V.Freiberga had pointed out her wish let the relations between both countries develop pragmatically and in a constructive way. (Latvian newspapers Diena, Neatkariga)

The President found positive the very fact of this meeting, because it was a dialog, and it was always a beginning of mutual understanding.

The President found positive the very fact of this meeting, because it was a dialog, and it was always a beginning of mutual understanding.

Answering to the questions of the Russian speaking newspaper

Answering to the questions of the Russian speaking newspaper Chas the President said that she was glad that both parties – Latvia and Russia – were ready to take steps to overcome stagnation in Latvian – Russian relations. Both interlocutors were united in the opinion that the relations between both countries were in some kind of cul-de-sack (Mr. Udaltsov called this stage a dangerous one). The Ambassador laid special emphasis on the point that Russian Government was against imposing sanctions.

The President expressed a hope that in the Russian Parliament would dominate those powers that were against imposing those sanctions. (Russian speaking

The President expressed a hope that in the Russian Parliament would dominate those powers that were against imposing those sanctions. (Russian speaking Respublika, Panorama Latvii )

On Wednesday Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss visited the Chairman of the National Council (Duma) CIS Affairs Commission B.Pastuhov and explained that those sanctions were not the most necessary step because they could worsen bilateral relations.

On Wednesday Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss visited the Chairman of the National Council (Duma) CIS Affairs Commission B.Pastuhov and explained that those sanctions were not the most necessary step because they could worsen bilateral relations.

Latvian – Russian relations were discussed also during the meeting of the President and Prime Minister A.Skele. The Prime Minister pointed out that they both were worried about the statements concerning Latvia made by high Russian officials. They came to a conclusion that Latvia should be able to explain other states that she had no problems with Russia, but Russia had a few problems trying to find answers to the questions arising after the break down of the USSR.

Latvian – Russian relations were discussed also during the meeting of the President and Prime Minister A.Skele. The Prime Minister pointed out that they both were worried about the statements concerning Latvia made by high Russian officials. They came to a conclusion that Latvia should be able to explain other states that she had no problems with Russia, but Russia had a few problems trying to find answers to the questions arising after the break down of the USSR.

During today’s meeting with the Prime Minister A.Skele, Minister of Justice Birkavs has planned to discuss the reorganisation of the State Language Centre. V.Birkavs tries to achieve that the language testing process would be temporarily handed over from the municipal commissions to the Naturalisation Board. As the newspaper

During todays meeting with the Prime Minister A.Skele, Minister of Justice Birkavs has planned to discuss the reorganisation of the State Language Centre. V.Birkavs tries to achieve that the language testing process would be temporarily handed over from the municipal commissions to the Naturalisation Board. As the newspaper Neatkariga wrote that this action was attempted to be carried out by not informing the responsible institutions and deceiving other officials. The State Language Centre is under reorganisation because it is planned to establish a united State Language Testing Centre under the Ministry of Education and Science by September 2000. Thus under the Centre would be also the language testing that is currently carried out by 20 municipal commissions. The Minister has already criticised the work of these commissions several times it is difficult to understand his wish to abolish these institutions and hand over the function to the Naturalisation Board right now – a few moths before the State Language Testing Centre is established. Some time ago the Minister tried to persuade the Commission on Implementation of the Citizenship law about the necessity of such a step, assuring that he had agreed upon it with the Minister of Education M.Vitols. But Mr.Vitols told Neatkariga that he had been misled.

EC Delegation to Latvia Head G.Veiss during a meeting with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins was positive about Latvian achievements in public integration process. Discussing Latvian – Russian relations, I.Berzins pointed out that it was in the interests of both countries to establish good neighbourly relations and solve problems though a constructive dialog.

EC Delegation to Latvia Head G.Veiss during a meeting with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins was positive about Latvian achievements in public integration process. Discussing Latvian – Russian relations, I.Berzins pointed out that it was in the interests of both countries to establish good neighbourly relations and solve problems though a constructive dialog. Neatkariga, Diena, Respublika [

To elaborate the co-operation strategy between NGOs and state institutions to informing the society and determining national priorities while preparing for Latvia’s joining EU, European Movement in Latvia is organising this week a wide seminar on European affairs “Strategy from negotiation talks to the referendum”.

To elaborate the co-operation strategy between NGOs and state institutions to informing the society and determining national priorities while preparing for Latvias joining EU, European Movement in Latvia is organising this week a wide seminar on European affairs Strategy from negotiation talks to the referendum. Neatkariga

On March 1, 2000 in Latvia there were 1116 000 people actively seeking some job, and 109 100 were registered as unemployed – 9.1% of all economically active population.

On March 1, 2000 in Latvia there were 1116 000 people actively seeking some job, and 109 100 were registered as unemployed – 9.1% of all economically active population. Neatkariga

Despite the fact that the Government had prolonged the term for exchanging non-citizen passports and allocated some financing for this process, many non-citizen do not rush to get a new passport. Therefore the forecast of the DCMA that on March 31 there could be about 35 000 residents of Latvia without any valid ID, there could be 39 000 of such persons. Although the deadline is approaching, the number of weekly applications stays in the average level of 1430. To further the exchange process the DCMA officials visit old age and handicapped people at their homes. The persons, who will live with not valid ID after March 31, could receive a 25 LS fine.

Despite the fact that the Government had prolonged the term for exchanging non-citizen passports and allocated some financing for this process, many non-citizen do not rush to get a new passport. Therefore the forecast of the DCMA that on March 31 there could be about 35 000 residents of Latvia without any valid ID, there could be 39 000 of such persons. Although the deadline is approaching, the number of weekly applications stays in the average level of 1430. To further the exchange process the DCMA officials visit old age and handicapped people at their homes. The persons, who will live with not valid ID after March 31, could receive a 25 LS fine. Diena

The Council of Latvian Students came out with a call to the Minister of Education M.Vitols to step down. The Ministry of Education and Science decided yesterday to suggest at the Government meeting to start financing of higher education reform not this by the next school year.

The Council of Latvian Students came out with a call to the Minister of Education M.Vitols to step down. The Ministry of Education and Science decided yesterday to suggest at the Government meeting to start financing of higher education reform not this by the next school year. Rigas Balss

Today the Saeima is deciding whether to include in the calendar of national commemoratin days June 17 as the commemoration day of occupation of Latvia.

Today the Saeima is deciding whether to include in the calendar of national commemoratin days June 17 as the commemoration day of occupation of Latvia. la, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian human rights activist B.Cilevich, a member of Latvian delegation to the PACE, came forwards with an initiative to collect signatures of the PACE members under his letter to the PACE with a request to ensure the right of locomotion of non-citizens, i.e. introducing no-visa regime also for them. Several parliamentarians already signed this letter. If the initiative received support of the PACE Commission, corresponding recommendations would be sent to Latvia and Estonia.

Vesti Segodnya