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

Russia will provide financial and economic aid to ethnic Russians abroad. The decision was taken last Wednesday by the Governmental Committee for the Affairs of Compatriots Abroad. Chairman of the Committee Valery Sedov told the press that he believed supporting the compatriots was Aof national importance". The Committee will work in direct contact with Russian organizations abroad. 

Russia will provide financial and economic aid to ethnic Russians abroad. The decision was taken last Wednesday by the Governmental Committee for the Affairs of Compatriots Abroad. Chairman of the Committee Valery Sedov told the press that he believed supporting the compatriots was Aof national importance". The Committee will work in direct contact with Russian organizations abroad.Diena

Director of the Federal Border Security Service Andrey Nikolayev met Commander of the Latvian Border Guards Gunars Dabolins. The agenda of the meeting held in Riga included measures to be taken by both countries to oppose crime, smuggling and illegal immigration. When asked by

Director of the Federal Border Security Service Andrey Nikolayev met Commander of the Latvian Border Guards Gunars Dabolins. The agenda of the meeting held in Riga included measures to be taken by both countries to oppose crime, smuggling and illegal immigration. When asked by "PANORAMA LATVII" about border delimitation, Mr. Nikolayev said that he believed the issue could be resolved, although the parties "had different approaches". Mr. Nikolayev had to interrupt his visit to Latvia due to an act of terrorism in Kaspiysk; a house inhabited mainly by Russian border guards and air-force pilots was blown up there in the early morning of November 16. PL

Head of the Immigration Police Aivars Kurpnieks told

Head of the Immigration Police Aivars Kurpnieks told "PANORAMA LATVII" that the main task of the recently formed police unit was to control the employment of foreigners and stateless individuals. The Immigration Police collaborates closely with the CID and other state institutions. Mr. Kurpnieks stressed that the IP was strictly observing the laws and was acting in a civilized manner showing tolerance towards individuals violating immigration laws unintentionally. The IP focuses on disclosing attempts of counterfeiting identification documents, registration codes, residence permits and visas. PL

The NRA news agency referred to a Swedish TV report saying that the country's authorities agreed to accept fifty-two refugees currently staying at the Olaine camp. An Olaine camp officer says that the camp has not received any official documents confirming the decision. According to the CID, the Nordic countries have agreed to grant asylum to approximately one hundred Asian refugees staying in Latvia. Currently, there are around 140 refugees staying at the Olaine camp.

The NRA news agency referred to a Swedish TV report saying that the country's authorities agreed to accept fifty-two refugees currently staying at the Olaine camp. An Olaine camp officer says that the camp has not received any official documents confirming the decision. According to the CID, the Nordic countries have agreed to grant asylum to approximately one hundred Asian refugees staying in Latvia. Currently, there are around 140 refugees staying at the Olaine camp. Neatkariga

Saeima Speaker Cepanis mentioned contradictions between the executive and the legislative powers while addressing the Saeima on the occasion of Latvia's Independence Day. The Saeima tends to perform some of the Cabinet's functions while the Government often performs the functions of the Parliament, says Mr. Cepanis. He suggested creating a parliamentary mechanism for monitoring the implementation of laws adopted by the Saeima. Diena

Head of the Russian Embassy Social Welfare Division Nikolay Yevteyev told

Head of the Russian Embassy Social Welfare Division Nikolay Yevteyev told "PANORAMA LATVII" about the registration of former Russian servicemen who have taken Russian citizenship. Russian citizens are to apply to the CID for residence permits before the end of this year. They have to hold both former USSR and travel passports. A registration code, a residence permit and "propiska" will be attached as a sticker to travel passports. Mr. Yevteyev says that the Agreement on Demobilized Servicemen guarantees all basic social rights to former Russian servicemen irrespective of their citizenship. He admits that Latvia and Russia are to settle the issue of privatization of apartments by former servicemen. The Russian official says that he does not know anything about the CID requiring the annual re-registration of permanent residence permits. Such a requirement would be incorrect, says Yevteyev. Neatkariga

Head of the

Head of the Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Vladimir Lukin said that a recent change in Latvian and Estonian policy at the border delimitation talks was a result of Russia's consistent efforts. In a TV debate he argued with Head of the Duma Security Committee Viktor Ilyuhin who called for using all possible means to pressure the Baltic states. Mr. Lukin suggested that the Communists and the Nationalists in the Russian Parliament "should work rather than press". Ilyuhin is reported to have mixed Latvia with Lithuania several times during the debate. Neatkariga