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

Head of the Latvian Delegation to Moscow Cepanis told the press yesterday that Russian politicians displayed significant interest in the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and its policy aimed at joining NATO. Russia closely connects those two political issues to the prospects of economic relations with Latvia. During the talks in Moscow, Mr. Cepanis said that NATO membership was seen by Latvia as the only way of maintaining its security. Still, he added that Latvia was open to discussing other options that could guarantee security. Mr. Cepanis informed the Russian side about the actual situation of non-citizens in Latvia, stressing the lack of interest in naturalization. Member of the Delegation Juris Sinka (

Head of the Latvian Delegation to Moscow Cepanis told the press yesterday that Russian politicians displayed significant interest in the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and its policy aimed at joining NATO. Russia closely connects those two political issues to the prospects of economic relations with Latvia. During the talks in Moscow, Mr. Cepanis said that NATO membership was seen by Latvia as the only way of maintaining its security. Still, he added that Latvia was open to discussing other options that could guarantee security. Mr. Cepanis informed the Russian side about the actual situation of non-citizens in Latvia, stressing the lack of interest in naturalization. Member of the Delegation Juris Sinka ("Tevzemei un Brivibai"), during the meetings in Moscow pointed at the patronizing manner of addressing the Latvian side common among Russian politicians. Mr. Sinka said that his remark had an effect on some of the Russian politicians who chose a more discreet manner of speaking to their partners. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics said at a press-briefing that Latvia was still expecting Russia to provide the full text of its long-term doctrine for its relations with the Baltic states. He said that Latvia could not be criticized for human rights violations since those were not discovered by international organizations. Latvia would not accept any pressure connected with citizenship and naturalization issues, said Pildegovics. He stressed that the Latvian Citizenship Law complied with the European norms. Diena, Neatkariga

President Yeltsin in his letter to the Federation Assembly named the protection of the rights of Russian-speakers as one of the most important priorities inthe country's foreign politicy.

President Yeltsin in his letter to the Federation Assembly named the protection of the rights of Russian-speakers as one of the most important priorities inthe country's foreign politicy. Neatkariga

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele suggested Head of the

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele suggested Head of the Saeima Budget and Finance Committee Roberts Zile ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") as a candidate for Minister of Finance. Earlier, Skele offered the post to Atis Sausnitis ("Saimnieks") who declined the offer. "Latvijas Cels", "Tevzemei un Brivibai", LNNK/the Greens, the Farmers' Union/the Christian Democrats and "Tautai un Taisnibai" support the Prime-Minister's choice. "Saimnieks" is still discussing Skele's suggestion. "Saimnieks" faction leader Cevers said that the faction had not worked out a definite position on the candidate. The governing factions have agreed to accept the new Minister of Finance on a consensus basis. Diena