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

Head of the Latvian Delegation to the OSCE Ivars Pundurs in an interview for

Head of the Latvian Delegation to the OSCE Ivars Pundurs in an interview for "NEATKARIGA" told about recent discussions over a future status of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. The Latvian Delegation during a recent meeting of the OSCE Permanent Committee in Vienna suggested that the OSCE Mission prepare a report on the results of its activities in Latvia since 1993 when the Mission was established. The report would contain, among other aspects, the account of Latvia's achievements. The proposal was supported by Head of the Mission Charles Magee. The Latvian Delegation also suggested to change the status of the Mission. Mr. Pundurs explained that missions with the similar status were working in the areas of armed conflicts and ethnic confrontations. Latvian diplomats believe that the presence of such a mission in Latvia undermines its international prestige. Mr. Pundurs noted that the essence of OSCE activities in Latvia differed from the objectives of OSCE missions in conflict areas. So should be the status of the OSCE representatives in Latvia, believes Mr. Pundurs. Still, the Vienna meeting declined Latvia's suggestion on changing the status of the Mission. Mr. Pundurs stressed that representatives of several OSCE countries spoke in support of the change after the voting. Mr. Pundurs does not agree that complicated naturalization tests account for a low naturalization rate. According to Pundurs, non-citizens are not willing to take Latvian citizenship and Western diplomats are becoming aware of the real situation. He hopes that the OSCE will still agree to change the status of the OSCE Mission to Latvia this autumn despite Russia's negative reaction. Mr. Pundurs explained that closing of the Mission would not mean the end of Latvia's co-operation with the OSCE. The country will benefit from receiving an unbiased assessment of the situation that would help to oppose ungrounded criticism by Russia. The Head of the Latvian Delegation mentioned the contribution of the OSCE Mission into resolving the problems of the Russian military presence in Latvia and repatriation of former Russian servicemen. Neatkariga

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele had a meeting with

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele had a meeting with "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK and "Latvijas Cels" representatives. "LC" faction Chairman Pantelejevs told "DIENA" that the participants of the meeting were optimistic about the situation in the Cabinet while "TB"/LNNK faction Chairman Straume characterized the situation as "unclear". The agenda of the meeting did not include the possibility of Skele's resignation. Still, an "SM" observer believes that the Cabinet will resign this autumn while "Saimnieks" will leave the Government. Diena, SM

18 men, 4 women and 9 children are still kept in the Olaine Refugee Camp. Most of them are illegal immigrants from Asia and Africa. Still, three persons are former USSR citizens. They will retain their status of illegal immigrants until the Law on Asylum Seekers and Refugees recently adopted by the

18 men, 4 women and 9 children are still kept in the Olaine Refugee Camp. Most of them are illegal immigrants from Asia and Africa. Still, three persons are former USSR citizens. They will retain their status of illegal immigrants until the Law on Asylum Seekers and Refugees recently adopted by the Saeima comes into force on January 1, 1998. One of the former USSR citizens staying at the camp fell a victim of bureaucratic procedures after divorcing his wife and losing "propiska" in Latvia. Almost all the refugees in the camp have health problems and live on the edge of starvation. Weekly rations for two persons consist of 18 potatoes, two chicken legs, half-rotten fish, two glasses of flour and rice and 200 grams of oil. Diena

Oleg Shorin in an article for

Oleg Shorin in an article for "SM" stresses that Latvia will not be able to join the EU without resolving the problem of non-citizens. Recent suggestions on revising the naturalization procedure made by President Ulmanis show that Latvian politicians are aware of the dilemma. Mr. Shorin believes that recent statements by European Commission Director Vinhas and Baltic Council Commissioner Espersen show the growing awareness of Western politicians of the situation in Latvia. SM

The Social Division of the Russian Embassy held a press-conference on the situation of retired Russian servicemen. Among the problems mentioned at the press-conference were medical care, privatization of apartments and passport problems. Retired servicemen do not enjoy discounts on medical insurance provided to all other pensioned residents of Latvia. Still, Russia annually transfers Ls 41 per each serviceman to Latvia to provide such discounts. Retired servicemen still have problems while trying to privatize their apartments since they were not issued with privatization certificates. Many servicemen took Russian citizenship and received former USSR travel passports with a stamp confirming their Russian citizenship. Still, such passports do not give them a secure status in Russia. Russian Consul Rylov managed to persuade the CID to return former USSR internal passports to such persons, at least for a time, for travel to Russia.

The Social Division of the Russian Embassy held a press-conference on the situation of retired Russian servicemen. Among the problems mentioned at the press-conference were medical care, privatization of apartments and passport problems. Retired servicemen do not enjoy discounts on medical insurance provided to all other pensioned residents of Latvia. Still, Russia annually transfers Ls 41 per each serviceman to Latvia to provide such discounts. Retired servicemen still have problems while trying to privatize their apartments since they were not issued with privatization certificates. Many servicemen took Russian citizenship and received former USSR travel passports with a stamp confirming their Russian citizenship. Still, such passports do not give them a secure status in Russia. Russian Consul Rylov managed to persuade the CID to return former USSR internal passports to such persons, at least for a time, for travel to Russia. SM