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

Director of the Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Research Nils Muiznieks dispels the most common illusions about international reaction to the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. In his article for

Director of the Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Research Nils Muiznieks dispels the most common illusions about international reaction to the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. In his article for "DIENA" he deals with the "myths" propagated by Latvian politicians. The first "myth" is "the lack of understanding of the situation in Latvia by representatives of international organizations." Mr. Muiznieks reminds that several international organizations have studied Latvia's problems and are aware of the consequences of occupation, the situation of non-citizens and the naturalization process. The OSCE Mission, UN representatives and foreign embassies hold consultations with Latvian experts, NGO representatives and minority societies as well as with Naturalization Board officers and other Government officials. The second "myth" is connected with expected support of repatriation of non-Latvians by the international community. None of the Western countries will agree to receive emigrants from Latvia or to support any repatriation program. Mr. Muiznieks singles out misinterpretation of comments on the Citizenship law. Some politicians declare it to be an act fully approved by international organizations. The originators of this "myth" ignore the principle of "silent diplomacy" practiced by these organizations. In this connection he quotes Decree 183 by the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly that points at the inadmissibility of discrimination of non-citizens. Nils Muiznieks also points at the growing co-operation between OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel and the European Union. The OSCE High Commissioner and EU Commissioner van den Broek will report on the situation in Latvia to the EU Conference in the Netherlands this May. Another "myth" is the demands of the West to naturalize non-citizens without demanding a knowledge of the Latvian language. None of the recommendations, including those by the OSCE High Commissioner, provided for canceling language tests. Diena

Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee for the Implementation of the Citizenship Law Andrejs Pozarnovs believes that "a lack of motivation" accounts for a low number of applicants for naturalization. Only 10% of Latvia's inhabitants having the right to obtain citizenship through naturalization used it as of February 1, 1997. Persons loyal to Latvia, according to Mr. Pozarnovs, will prefer obtaining citizenship to enjoying certain advantages provided by a non-citizen="s" status.Diena

"SM" interviewed CID Immigration officers on the procedure of issuance of residence permits. According to an amendment to the Law on Foreigners and Stateless Persons, foreigners who had "propiska" in Latvia on July 1, 1992, should apply for residence permits. The amendment came into force on January 27, 1997. Holders of permanent residence permits should re-register their permits annually. CID officers confirmed that holders of residence permits were allowed to invite their parents for permanent residence in Latvia only in exceptional cases. Holders of residence permits can lose the permits if they do not have sources of income sufficient to support them and their families. This does not apply to individuals who had "propiska" in Latvia on July 1, 1992.

Journalist Yegor Olshantsev in an article for

Journalist Yegor Olshantsev in an article for "SM" explains the passivity of potential applicants for citizenship by their sense of dignity. Many non-Latvians voted for independence and defended Latvia's independence at the barricades. They supported democratic ideals and were promised citizenship by the leaders of the "Awakening". Now they feel disappointed and humiliated by nationalistic policies and rhetoric. The author also believes that non-citizens will not rush for new non-citizens' passports until they are pressed to do so. SM