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

Press Report

On Monday CDSS Commissioner H.Degn visited Riga and had meetings with Saeima Speaker J.Straume and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Human Rights Office and OSCE. With the change in CDSS leadership, some essential changes are brought into the mandate of CBSS – in the future the emphasis will be on the basic principles provided for by documents of the OSCE, EC and UN Framework Convention on Human Rights.

On Monday CDSS Commissioner H.Degn visited Riga and had meetings with Saeima Speaker J.Straume and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Human Rights Office and OSCE. With the change in CDSS leadership, some essential changes are brought into the mandate of CBSS – in the future the emphasis will be on the basic principles provided for by documents of the OSCE, EC and UN Framework Convention on Human Rights. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Soros Foundation Latvia has finished donation programme for NGOs. The programme went on for 4 years and more than 170 NGOs have received funding which amounts to LVL 213 248. Donations were meant to cover fixed costs of NGOs, such as, rent, salaries and communications. The NGO Centre has applied for 2 new projects and the priority of these 2 projects could be society integration and development of already established NGOs.

Soros Foundation Latvia has finished donation programme for NGOs. The programme went on for 4 years and more than 170 NGOs have received funding which amounts to LVL 213 248. Donations were meant to cover fixed costs of NGOs, such as, rent, salaries and communications. The NGO Centre has applied for 2 new projects and the priority of these 2 projects could be society integration and development of already established NGOs. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna

For the first time during 7th Saeima Latvia’s delegation, constituted of the deputies of all Parliament factions, has arrived in Moscow. The delegation will meet with the officials of Russia’s State Duma and National Council, as well as with foreign affair minister deputy S.Ordzonikidze. The main discussion subjects are Language Law, bilingual education, and citizenship. Latvian parliamentarians do not aim to reach specific agreements, as the fact itself that these discussions take place should already be considered as an achievement.

For the first time during 7th Saeima Latvias delegation, constituted of the deputies of all Parliament factions, has arrived in Moscow. The delegation will meet with the officials of Russias State Duma and National Council, as well as with foreign affair minister deputy S.Ordzonikidze. The main discussion subjects are Language Law, bilingual education, and citizenship. Latvian parliamentarians do not aim to reach specific agreements, as the fact itself that these discussions take place should already be considered as an achievement. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Respublika, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii.

Federal Councillor of Switzerland J.Deiss is on an official visit in Latvia. “Although Switzerland is neither the member of the EU nor NATO, Latvia is interested to discuss safety issues in Europe with Switzerland”, said the foreign affair minister I.Berzins. J.Deiss had meetings with the President, Prime Minister and Saeima Speaker. V.Vike-Freiberga informed the guest about the course of society integration in Latvia and expressed her gratitude for the support provided by Switzerland.

Federal Councillor of Switzerland J.Deiss is on an official visit in Latvia. Although Switzerland is neither the member of the EU nor NATO, Latvia is interested to discuss safety issues in Europe with Switzerland, said the foreign affair minister I.Berzins. J.Deiss had meetings with the President, Prime Minister and Saeima Speaker. V.Vike-Freiberga informed the guest about the course of society integration in Latvia and expressed her gratitude for the support provided by Switzerland. Neatkariga, Jauna, Respublika, Vesti Segodnja

The New Party will discuss introduction of the essential changes in party’s programme at its congress on 13 January. The party refused to disclose what kind of changes will be discussed, however, mentioned that they concern the basic principles of the programme. Another important task for the party will be the election of party’s chairman.

The New Party will discuss introduction of the essential changes in partys programme at its congress on 13 January. The party refused to disclose what kind of changes will be discussed, however, mentioned that they concern the basic principles of the programme. Another important task for the party will be the election of partys chairman. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas

Officials do not support the idea about the President elected by the people of Latvia. FF/LNNK voices that there are too many parties in Latvia to introduce such election system. People’s Party faction chairman deputy opposes that introduction of such institution would be just illusion – it would not solve anything. Social Democrats and People’s Harmony Party support the idea about a president elected by the people of the state

Officials do not support the idea about the President elected by the people of Latvia. FF/LNNK voices that there are too many parties in Latvia to introduce such election system. Peoples Party faction chairman deputy opposes that introduction of such institution would be just illusion – it would not solve anything. Social Democrats and Peoples Harmony Party support the idea about a president elected by the people of the state. Rigas Balss.

Non-citizens of Latvia will have easier conditions to receive a visa to go to Russia – this is a forecast of newspaper

Non-citizens of Latvia will have easier conditions to receive a visa to go to Russia – this is a forecast of newspaper Vesti Segodnja. It means that for non-citizens of Latvia to receive a visa to Russia the invitation is not required, which is a mandatory requirement for the citizens. Vesti Segodnja

As of 1 January 2001 the new procedure to receive citizenship of Russia comes into effect – according to the new procedure, the applicant for a citizenship first of all has to obtain a residence permit in Russia.

As of 1 January 2001 the new procedure to receive citizenship of Russia comes into effect – according to the new procedure, the applicant for a citizenship first of all has to obtain a residence permit in Russia. Chas, Panorama Latvii.