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

 

The Cabinet of Ministers has authorized the Latvian delegation to agree to the Russian terms on the Skrunde radar station (the 4 years + 18 months formula). According to Martins Virsis, the Head of the delegation, problems could arise in connection with the number of Russian staff to mantain the station. Russia insists on 900-large personnel. Russia has agreed that Latvia could dismantle the newly built part of the station with the financial support of international bodies. Another problem might be connected with the $ 2 mln. annual land rent suggested by Russia and considered insufficient by Latvia. It was also noted by the Latvian party that while there are no problems connected with the social security for the Russian servicemen during the withdrawal period some problems may occur regarding later social support for retired officers residing in Latvia. Diena, Labrit

The author of the article in RIGAS BALSS (Ivars Libietis) expressed an agressively negative attitude towards the forthcoming results of the talks between Latvia and Russia comparing it to the agreements imposed by Germany on Czhechoslovakia and by the USSR on Latvia before the World War 2. Rigas Balss

 

The press was given the access to the conclusions by the CE experts on the Draft Citizenship Law. The experts expressed concern about the quota principle which is defined in the Law in an "obscure" manner and primarily meets the interests of the state but not the citizens. Also the idea of a "single community state" is criticized. The analysis was also given to the paragraphs on double citizenship, state language, naturalization process, stateless persons, etc. It was noted that unlike the citizenship laws in other states that refer to persons arriving to a country after such law has been adopted the Draft Law refers to persons that are currently residing in the countries. In this connection the Law attempts to both preserve the national identity of Latvians and not to ignore the interests of the non-citizens who have been bermanent residents of the country. It is said in the document that in accordance with European principles every individual must be well-informed about his/her chances of receiving citizenship. To achieve a balance between the state interests and private interests of individuals the experts suggest to divide all residents into priority groups in accordance with their age, term of residenece, etc. Diena

LNNK Saema fraction supports the request by the officers of the Dpt. of Citizenship and Immigration to set up a commission to evaluate its activities and investigate the legality of court decrees.Vakara Zinas

"NATIONALITY AND POLITICS IN LATVIA" (by Nils Muiznieks)

(DIENA, Feb.15- 16)

Demographical situation in Latvia is normalizing gradually. This was stated by both by officials and journalists. Non-Latvians are leaving the country though the current emigration rate is lower as compared to 1993. The author believes that the Government should do more to assist people to emigrate. Still it looks like the Saema hopes that the West and Russia will lend their help in this connection. The article suggests the the Government could allow people that are willing to emigrate to sell their apartments in order to raise the money necessary.

The author stresses the necessity of a constructive approach from the both sides towards the army withdrawal. It is also noted that the citizenship and immigration problem is aggravated by the fact that there is quite a numerous community of Russian citizens who are connected to the army by contracts or otherwise.

According to the author's calculations citizens currently constitute 67.04% of the total number of residents (both registered and not registered) and 71.4% of the total number of registered residents. The percentage of Latvians among citizens is 78.7%. According to the DNNL concept as well as according to the views expressed by certain other political groups the persentage of Latvians among the population must not be less than 75%. The author sees such approach as an attempt to guarantee that citizenship will mean the loyalty towards the Latvian nation. Still, he expresses the opinion that such approach will not guarantee that all the citizens will prove such loyalty since the nation is a political notion but not the ethnic one.

It is also underlined that the naturalization process will be slow and there will be a large number of non-citizens. This may lead to some additional social and ethnic tension since this cathegory of residents is restricted not only in their political but also in their social and economical rights. The author also mentions the fact that currently the ethnic proportions among the unemployed statistically correspond to the general ethnic composition of the population. But this situation may change soon due to the bankrupcy of large factories which might lead to additional ethnic tension. The author also suggests that the basic criteria for naturalization should not be the quota principle but the knowledge of the Latvian language.