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 Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Ambassador of Lithuania on the reaction of the Lithuanian authorities to an interview by Prime-Minister Skele. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its incomprehension over statements made by leading Lithuanian politicians in connection with Skele's interview for

Yesterday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Ambassador of Lithuania on the reaction of the Lithuanian authorities to an interview by Prime-Minister Skele. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its incomprehension over statements made by leading Lithuanian politicians in connection with Skele's interview for "VERSLO ZINIOS". Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aivis Ronis in his official statement says again that Mr. Skele has never been interviewed by the newspaper and has never expressed the opinion on relations between the two countries quoted by "VZ". The Latvian side is upset by the fact that Lithuanian Government officials are still commenting on the interview although the Latvian side has already dispelled the information published by the paper. The Lithuanian side insists on more detailed explanations to be provided by the Latvian side. According to sources in the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Skele has also made tactless remarks on Lithuania during a reception in Copenhagen. President Brazauskas will still come to Riga on November 26 to participate in the meeting of the Presidents of the Baltic states. Diena

Janis Grasis, a graduate of the Institute of International relation, quotes Article 16 of the 1950 Council of Europe Convention "On Protection of Human and Civil Rights", Article 25 of the 1966 International Pact "On Civil and Political Rights" and several western legislations to prove that Latvia is not violating international norms by restricting political rights of non-citizens. Grasis also refers to the OSCE, the Baltic Council, and other experts who have not stated any mass violations of human rights in Latvia. He admits that the problem of 700,000 noncitizens currently residing in Latvia should be resolved and suggests amending the Citizenship Law to remove "the quota mechanism". This would allow all residents having the command of the Latvian language, who have "integrated" into the Latvian society and are loyal to the country, to take citizenship. On the other hand, Grasis believes that those openly opposing Latvia's independence should be stimulated to repatriate. This could be done through international agreements with the assistance of international organizations and private foundations.

Janis Grasis, a graduate of the Institute of International relation, quotes Article 16 of the 1950 Council of Europe Convention "On Protection of Human and Civil Rights", Article 25 of the 1966 International Pact "On Civil and Political Rights" and several western legislations to prove that Latvia is not violating international norms by restricting political rights of non-citizens. Grasis also refers to the OSCE, the Baltic Council, and other experts who have not stated any mass violations of human rights in Latvia. He admits that the problem of 700,000 noncitizens currently residing in Latvia should be resolved and suggests amending the Citizenship Law to remove "the quota mechanism". This would allow all residents having the command of the Latvian language, who have "integrated" into the Latvian society and are loyal to the country, to take citizenship. On the other hand, Grasis believes that those openly opposing Latvia's independence should be stimulated to repatriate. This could be done through international agreements with the assistance of international organizations and private foundations. Diena

Although several travel agencies offer Christmas tours to Paris to holders of "brown" noncitizens' passports, the French Consular Office says that France still has not recognized the "brown passports". The reason for not recognizing the passports is a paragraph in the documents saying that Latvia allows the re-entry of their holders only during the "brown" passports' validity term. France suggested adding a stamp that would cancel the restriction. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department has not agreed to the suggestion believing the problem will be resolved when new non-citizens' passports will be issued in January 1997.

Although several travel agencies offer Christmas tours to Paris to holders of "brown" noncitizens' passports, the French Consular Office says that France still has not recognized the "brown passports". The reason for not recognizing the passports is a paragraph in the documents saying that Latvia allows the re-entry of their holders only during the "brown" passports' validity term. France suggested adding a stamp that would cancel the restriction. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department has not agreed to the suggestion believing the problem will be resolved when new non-citizens' passports will be issued in January 1997. B&B