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

AMBASSADORS DO NOT BELIEVE THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW LANGUAGE LAW TO BE NECESSARY

AMBASSADORS DO NOT BELIEVE THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW LANGUAGE LAW TO BE NECESSARY

(Nellija Locmele)

(Nellija Locmele)

Riga, October 21. During their meeting with Head of the

Riga, October 21. During their meeting with Head of the Saeima Committee on Education, Science and Culture last Tuesday, Ambassadors of European countries questioned the necessity of adopting a new Law on the State Language. Member of the National Minority Council Tatjana Liguta said at the meeting of the Committee that an opinion poll on the draft Law should be done. Last Tuesday the Committee listened to experts' opinions of the new draft Law it is currently working on. Ambassadors of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain and the Ambassador of the European Commission during their meeting with Head of the Committee Dzintars Abikis expressed concern about the consequences of adopting the draft Law. Ambassador of the European Commission Gunter Weiss and Danish Ambassador Michael Metz Morg said that they could not understand the purpose of drafting the new Law on the State Language when amending the existing 1992 Law would be sufficient. Moreover, Latvia may face several problems on an international scale in connection with the new draft Law. A similar opinion was expressed by Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Richard Samuel: "Strict regulation of the use of a language in science and business and science would be complicated and would not be advisable in a free market economy society. Some parts of the draft Law contradict international obligations assumed by Latvia. The Law should inspire but not punish people," believes Mr. Samuel. Mr. Abikis explained that the Saeima was pressed by the society to start reviewing the Law. Head of the Committee had to admit that the most heated discussion was expected in connection with the use of the state language in private businesses. The main problem lies in the extend to which the state would be able to intervene in business activities. "We are to find a compromise decision that would give Latvian employees the right to receive information in the state language. At the same time, this should not impede business activities," believes Mr. Abikis. Ms. Liguta believes that the mass media and the entire society should be welcomed to participate in the discussion of the draft Law the way it was done five years ago. "Only through an open discussion can we inform the society about the objectives pursued by the state," said Ms. Liguta.

"DIENA" has already informed its readers about the discussion of the new Law on the State Language, the objective of the Law being to strengthen the status of the Latvian language. The draft Law was adopted by Maris Gails' Cabinet but it was only last summer when the Saeima adopted its first reading. Diena

Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department Gennady Tarasov said yesterday that Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts' statements insisting on a reference to the 1920 Peace Treaty in the Border Agreement jeopardize the signing of the Agreement. During his press-briefing, Mr. Tarasov noted that opinions expressed by OSCE Commissioner van der Stoel and Baltic Commissioner Espersen arise doubts about the improvement of the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia.

Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department Gennady Tarasov said yesterday that Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts' statements insisting on a reference to the 1920 Peace Treaty in the Border Agreement jeopardize the signing of the Agreement. During his press-briefing, Mr. Tarasov noted that opinions expressed by OSCE Commissioner van der Stoel and Baltic Commissioner Espersen arise doubts about the improvement of the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Diena, SM

Thirty thousand persons are still residing in Estonia illegally. The Estonian CID started issuing illegal residents with registration forms valid for six months. Holders of registration forms are to legalize their residence in the country within that term. All Estonian residents except former Russian servicemen can receive Estonian citizenship through naturalization. University and vocational school graduates who have passed tests in Estonian are exempt from naturalization language tests. Estonian citizenship is automatically granted to wives of Estonian citizens (but not to husbands.

Thirty thousand persons are still residing in Estonia illegally. The Estonian CID started issuing illegal residents with registration forms valid for six months. Holders of registration forms are to legalize their residence in the country within that term. All Estonian residents except former Russian servicemen can receive Estonian citizenship through naturalization. University and vocational school graduates who have passed tests in Estonian are exempt from naturalization language tests. Estonian citizenship is automatically granted to wives of Estonian citizens (but not to husbands. Diena

"NEATKARIGA"

and and "CHAS""CHAS" published a photo-copy of a secret KGB file revealing Andrejs Pantelejevs' ( published a photo-copy of a secret KGB file revealing Andrejs Pantelejevs' ("Latvijas Cels""Latvijas Cels") involvement with the KGB. The registration card shows that Mr. Pantelejevs was recruit a secret informer in 1988.) involvement with the KGB. The registration card shows that Mr. Pantelejevs was recruit a secret informer in 1988.