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"

interviewed the interviewed the SaeimaSaeima deputies on the recent proposal of forming the Baltic security pact made by Estonian politicians. All Latvian parliament members welcomed the idea stressing its political importance as a basis for strengthening the unity of the three Baltic countries. deputies on the recent proposal of forming the Baltic security pact made by Estonian politicians. All Latvian parliament members welcomed the idea stressing its political importance as a basis for strengthening the unity of the three Baltic countries. Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Defence and Internal affairs Julijs Druva told the press the law on military service might be reviewed in its second reading on August 22. Journalists expect massive protest rallies to accompany the discussion, since the current draft law provides for the drafting of all university graduates holding bachelor and master degrees. Mr. Druva does not exclude the possibility of granting noncitizens and women the right to serve in the army on a voluntary basis. He suggests noncitizens could be granted Latvian citizenship for a flawless service. Still, he had to note that the norm would require amending the Citizenship Law. Although the governing factions signed an obligation not to suggest or support amendments to the Law, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts believes the Law should not be "a sacred cow" remaining unamended forever. B&B

Mr. Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony" parliamentary group) presented the list of 68 restrictions of noncitizens' rights to the Saeima Human Rights Committee.

Mr. Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony" parliamentary group) presented the list of 68 restrictions of noncitizens' rights to the Saeima Human Rights Committee. "NEATKARIGA" quotes a letter by Minister of Justice Rasnacs to the Saeima Human Rights Committee. The letter sharply criticized by Dozortsev claims the comparison of citizens' and noncitizens' rights to be biased as it ignores citizens' obligations. Dozortsev recommends forming a work group on the issue within the State Human Rights Office. Neatkariga

"SM

"interviewed Human Rights office actin Director Zinta Meizane, Head of complaint department Inita Krizevic, and Senior Officer at the Information Department Roberts Putnis. The Human Rights Office still does not have an officially appointed director having the right to reconciliate arguing parties. The officers interviewed by "interviewed Human Rights office actin Director Zinta Meizane, Head of complaint department Inita Krizevic, and Senior Officer at the Information Department Roberts Putnis. The Human Rights Office still does not have an officially appointed director having the right to reconciliate arguing parties. The officers interviewed by "SM""SM" believe the Cabinet of Ministers regulations on the Human Rights Office adopted last year do not restrict its rights. The first reading of the law on the Human Fights Office was reviewed to a great extend thanks sharp comments made by The UN High Commissioner Brian Burdekin. The second reading of the law gives the Office a much higher degree of independence. The functions of the Office are wider than those of the ombudsman. Unlike the ombudsman, the office can analyze draft legal acts and comment on them. The Office has received more than one hundred CID-connected complaints. Many complaints are also related to dwelling issues and situation in prisons. believe the Cabinet of Ministers regulations on the Human Rights Office adopted last year do not restrict its rights. The first reading of the law on the Human Fights Office was reviewed to a great extend thanks sharp comments made by The UN High Commissioner Brian Burdekin. The second reading of the law gives the Office a much higher degree of independence. The functions of the Office are wider than those of the ombudsman. Unlike the ombudsman, the office can analyze draft legal acts and comment on them. The Office has received more than one hundred CID-connected complaints. Many complaints are also related to dwelling issues and situation in prisons. SMSM A poll by "SM" shows that many noncitizens are considering taking Russian citizenship by 2000. Some of the Russian citizens interviewed by "SM" are not going to apply for a permanent residence permit believing the CID might issue a TRP instead, or the recent amendments on permanent residence permits might be canceled.

A poll by "SM" shows that many noncitizens are considering taking Russian citizenship by 2000. Some of the Russian citizens interviewed by "SM" are not going to apply for a permanent residence permit believing the CID might issue a TRP instead, or the recent amendments on permanent residence permits might be canceled.