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

According to

According to DIENA, Mr Ulmanis responses to questions on noncitizens status in Latvia put by the Parliamentary Assembly deputies were rather unconvincing. Russias deputies asked the President about the differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and noncitizens. They also raised the issue of Russian schools. President Ulmanis said the criticism was ungrounded since Latvias legislation corresponded to international standards making state-funded secondary education available to all Russian-speakers. Diena

Tevzemei un Brivibai addressed President Ulmanis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs with a statement criticising their recent comments on the Declaration on Occupation. The document accuses the President and the Minister in acting against the interests of the state of Latvia. Members of the Council for Support of the Victims of Occupation suggested the President to recommend the Saeima to appeal to the Hague International Court for the recognition of the facts of occupation, genocide and repatriation. Diena

In his interview for

In his interview for The Daily Telegraph Chairman of Russias Security Committee Alexander Lebyed threatened American and German companies with economic sanctions. According to Lebyed, the sanctions may be Russias response to the enlargement of NATO. He accused German government in attempting establishing the Fourth Reich by expanding the countrys economic and political influence to the East. Meanwhile, yesterday in Copenhagen NATO Ministers of Defence recommended the three Baltic states to be patient and stressed the enlarged block would not threaten Russias security. Neatkariga

A Russian military pensioner in an article published by

A Russian military pensioner in an article published by PANORAMA LATVII points at restrictions of foreigners rights imposed by Regulations # 297 requiring that all foreigners residing in Latvia should apply for residence permits. The article points at the fact that the Law on Foreigers and Stateless Persons Entrance to and Stay in the Republic of Latvia demands annual re-registration of residence permits. Provisions of the Law also include fourteen grounds for cancelling a residence permit and deporting its holder. The new regulations will affect the status of retired Russian servicemen who have chosen to take Russian citizenship. The regulations violate their right to reside in Latvia without any restrictions stated by the agreement between Latvia and Russia. The author of the article suggests the issue should be considered by the Embassy of Russia and by the Joint Commission on Retired Pensioners. PL