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

According to Ministry of the Interior spokesman Normunds Belskis, the Ministry was forced to submit its proposals on amending the Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens to the Cabinet of Ministers for the second time. The purpose of the amendments is to establish the legal status of 6,000 persons illegally residing in Latvia. Draft amendments to the Law were submitted to the Cabinet last summer. Still, the Cabinet declined the amendments. The CID addressed the Saeima Committee for the Implementation of the Citizenship Law with a letter on the issue. Still, the Saeima Committee refused to hear a report on the problem to be delivered by CID Director Zitars and Ministry of the Interior Parliamentary Secretary Allere on October 28. The CID believes it to be possible to place residence permit stickers in former USSR passports. The current legislation does not provide for the option. Persons illegally residing in Latvia could be given the status of the stateless or some other special status confirmed by a document that would allow them to receive residence permits.

According to Ministry of the Interior spokesman Normunds Belskis, the Ministry was forced to submit its proposals on amending the Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens to the Cabinet of Ministers for the second time. The purpose of the amendments is to establish the legal status of 6,000 persons illegally residing in Latvia. Draft amendments to the Law were submitted to the Cabinet last summer. Still, the Cabinet declined the amendments. The CID addressed the Saeima Committee for the Implementation of the Citizenship Law with a letter on the issue. Still, the Saeima Committee refused to hear a report on the problem to be delivered by CID Director Zitars and Ministry of the Interior Parliamentary Secretary Allere on October 28. The CID believes it to be possible to place residence permit stickers in former USSR passports. The current legislation does not provide for the option. Persons illegally residing in Latvia could be given the status of the stateless or some other special status confirmed by a document that would allow them to receive residence permits. Diena

"DIENA"

journalist Sandris Tocs in his article points to a passive attitude of the Latvian Government to the problem of a large number of non-citizens in the country. Small steps toward simplifying the terms of naturalization cannot change the situation. The journalist admits that the Cabinet could function without the participation of journalist Sandris Tocs in his article points to a passive attitude of the Latvian Government to the problem of a large number of non-citizens in the country. Small steps toward simplifying the terms of naturalization cannot change the situation. The journalist admits that the Cabinet could function without the participation of "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK"Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK that blocks all attempts to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, he does not believe that other governing factions would agree to risk their seats in the Cabinet in order to improve the citizenship situation. that blocks all attempts to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, he does not believe that other governing factions would agree to risk their seats in the Cabinet in order to improve the citizenship situation. DienaDiena

"DIENA"

asked several prominent persons for their comments on the draft Language Law. Chairman of the asked several prominent persons for their comments on the draft Language Law. Chairman of the SaeimaSaeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis objects to the provision requiring the mandatory use of Latvian in private companies and suggests to replace it with a requirement for translation into Latvia upon a request of Latvian-speakers. He believes that private vocational schools and universities could use languages other than Latvian as languages of instruction with graduation exams being passed in Latvian. Mr. Abikis does not support the mandatory use of Latvian in public information and advertising. He does not think that the article of the draft Law on the use of the state language in courts would cause any changes since it refers to existing applicable acts.Chairman of the Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis objects to the provision requiring the mandatory use of Latvian in private companies and suggests to replace it with a requirement for translation into Latvia upon a request of Latvian-speakers. He believes that private vocational schools and universities could use languages other than Latvian as languages of instruction with graduation exams being passed in Latvian. Mr. Abikis does not support the mandatory use of Latvian in public information and advertising. He does not think that the article of the draft Law on the use of the state language in courts would cause any changes since it refers to existing applicable acts.Chairman of the Saeima Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts also does not support the demand for the mandatory use of Latvian in private companies. He believes the article on the use of Latvian in public gatherings and religious organizations to be a violation of freedom of speech. Director of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa says that Latvian is being ousted from private business. She fully supports the draft Language Law and does not believe it to restrict the rights of non-Latvians or to be an attempt of their assimilation. Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts also does not support the demand for the mandatory use of Latvian in private companies. He believes the article on the use of Latvian in public gatherings and religious organizations to be a violation of freedom of speech. Director of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa says that Latvian is being ousted from private business. She fully supports the draft Language Law and does not believe it to restrict the rights of non-Latvians or to be an attempt of their assimilation. DienaDiena The Russian State

The Russian State Duma held a closed session on the country's relations with the Baltic states. Chairman of the Committee on Contacts with Compatriots Abroad Mikhail Vakulenko in an interview stressed that Latvia was the only Baltic country to take even a stricter stand than earlier by planning to introduce a new Language Law. Mr. Vakulenko points to similar opinions of the situation in Latvia shared by Russian MPs, the OSCE, The Baltic Council and other international organizations. SM

Russian Ambassador Udaltsov is to visit the jail were illegal immigrants are being kept before their expulsion from Latvia. According to several sources, the conditions in the jail (

Russian Ambassador Udaltsov is to visit the jail were illegal immigrants are being kept before their expulsion from Latvia. According to several sources, the conditions in the jail ("izolators") are strikingly inhuman. SM

Yesterday former Latvian Communist leader Alfreds Rubiks was released from prison two years before the expiration of his term upon a verdict by the Riga Zemgale District Court. Mr. Rubiks told the press that he was planning to join Latvia's political life after a brief rest and visits to several parts of the country. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting a coup in 1991.

Yesterday former Latvian Communist leader Alfreds Rubiks was released from prison two years before the expiration of his term upon a verdict by the Riga Zemgale District Court. Mr. Rubiks told the press that he was planning to join Latvia's political life after a brief rest and visits to several parts of the country. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting a coup in 1991. Neatkariga

Several prominent figures applied to the

Several prominent figures applied to the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law with a request to grant Latvian citizenship for outstanding service to the country to President of the Parex Bank Valery Kargin. Mr. Kargin's citizenship was annulled in 1993 after the Vidzeme CID Office claimed the documents submitted to prove his right for Latvian citizenship to be forged. Diena