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 the Council of the Governing factions decided not to adopt the Memorandum on the conclusion by the European Commission before Friday. Several points of the draft Memorandum caused objections on the part of

Yesterday the Council of the Governing factions decided not to adopt the Memorandum on the conclusion by the European Commission before Friday. Several points of the draft Memorandum caused objections on the part of "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK. "TB"/LNNK would not agree to the point suggesting to discuss a program for encouraging non-citizens to undergo naturalization. The final decision on the issue will be made public by "TB"/LNNK today. The Latvian Government believes simultaneous talks with all potential EU members to be the only acceptable political decision. Diena

On August 19 Russian consular departments in Latvia started issuing multi-entry permissions valid for one year to holders of new Latvian alien passports. Applicants for permission stamps should submit a photo and a passport to a consular department. The permissions are issued within three working days and cost Ls.5. Residents of Latvia can also enter Russia holding former USSR passports (no visas are required), former USSR travel passports (valid for leaving Latvia until 31 December 1997 and for entering Latvia until 31 July 1998, return guarantees are required), non-citizens' "brown" identification documents (entrance permits are required) and citizens' passports (visas are required). Moscow authorities will not require registration of "compatriots from the near abroad" including Latvian non-citizens.

On August 19 Russian consular departments in Latvia started issuing multi-entry permissions valid for one year to holders of new Latvian alien passports. Applicants for permission stamps should submit a photo and a passport to a consular department. The permissions are issued within three working days and cost Ls.5. Residents of Latvia can also enter Russia holding former USSR passports (no visas are required), former USSR travel passports (valid for leaving Latvia until 31 December 1997 and for entering Latvia until 31 July 1998, return guarantees are required), non-citizens' "brown" identification documents (entrance permits are required) and citizens' passports (visas are required). Moscow authorities will not require registration of "compatriots from the near abroad" including Latvian non-citizens. B&B