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

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele delivered a speech at the European Union summit in Dublin. He pointed at Latvia's achievements in reforming the court system and the Ministry of the Interior. He also mentioned reorganization currently taking place in the Border Guard that would allow to improve control over illegal immigration. Skele stressed that foreign investments were encouraged by adopting a more liberal Land Law.

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele delivered a speech at the European Union summit in Dublin. He pointed at Latvia's achievements in reforming the court system and the Ministry of the Interior. He also mentioned reorganization currently taking place in the Border Guard that would allow to improve control over illegal immigration. Skele stressed that foreign investments were encouraged by adopting a more liberal Land Law. Diena

The Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the possibility of NATO concluding an agreement with Russia allowing the Czech Republic, Hungary and other Central European countries to join the block, leaving the Baltic states outside the enlargement process. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that the agreement would not mean a deal between NATO and Russia. He added that European security was impossible without Russia's participation.

The Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the possibility of NATO concluding an agreement with Russia allowing the Czech Republic, Hungary and other Central European countries to join the block, leaving the Baltic states outside the enlargement process. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that the agreement would not mean a deal between NATO and Russia. He added that European security was impossible without Russia's participation. Diena

According to an

According to an "SM" correspondent in Moscow, Russia is considering taking a firmer stand in its relations with Latvia and Estonia. The journalist refers to a source in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs who said that Russia would stop "being soft" toward the countries "violating the rights of compatriots". The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs circulated a statement saying that Russia would insist on Latvia and Estonia granting citizenship to all its permanent residents. The agreement concluded after the recognition of Latvia's independence by Russia obliges the two countries to grant citizenship to all individuals residing in the countries on the day of the signing of the agreement. The Ministry stresses that Russia has fulfilled its obligations. Russia is expecting Latvia to exclude the 1920 Peace Treaty from the agenda of the border delimitation talks. It is only after this change in the Latvian delegation mandate that Russia will agree to hold a meeting between Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin and Latvian Premier Skele. The article in "SM" claims that the OSCE Mission mandate was extended as a result of Russia's pressure. SM

Fifty-three refugees from the Olaine Camp are leaving for Sweden today (16 December).

Fifty-three refugees from the Olaine Camp are leaving for Sweden today (16 December). Diena

The majority of Christian Democrats at the fifth congress of the party voted against uniting with

The majority of Christian Democrats at the fifth congress of the party voted against uniting with "Tevzemei un Brivibai" and LNNK. Diena