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

Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts is discussing the future of the Coalition with the governing parties. Leaders of is own party (

Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts is discussing the future of the Coalition with the governing parties. Leaders of is own party (TB/LNNK) believe that the problem requires a careful approach. Observers do not believe that the Prime-Minister will take any steps that may destroy the coalition before the EU makes a decision on its enlargement in the end of this week. Diena, Chas

Swedish Ambassador Hans Magnusson in an interview for

Swedish Ambassador Hans Magnusson in an interview for "CHAS" said that "certain provisions of the draft Language Law will bring problems into Latvia's relations with international human rights organizations". He believes that "a more positive approach" to the issue is required. The Ambassador hopes that ten restrictions on non-citizens' employment will be canceled. Diena

Leonid Fedoseyev in his article for

Leonid Fedoseyev in his article for "CHAS" assumes that the nationalists are trying to use legislation (e.i., the draft Language Law) as a tool for ousting non-Latvians from the country. The consequences of such policies could be disastrous to both communities. An aggressive ethnic confrontation would lead to an ethnic civil war and an intervention of Russian radical nationalists. Mr. Fedoseyev does not support the concept of two separate communities supported by some Russian journalists in Latvia. The Russian-speaking community would later split into smaller ethnic groups, each group trying to protect its own interests. The only concept suitable for Latvia, according to Fedoseyev, is the forming of a political nation where all inhabitants of Latvia have equal rights and use the Latvian language for communication between ethnic groups. Chas

The latest UN report on refugees mentions Latvia as a traditional transit state on refugees' way to Scandinavia. The report also points to a large number of stateless inhabitants in Latvia and Estonia. One of its co-authors stresses that the situation undermines relations between the two countries and Russia. The report stresses that statelessness can be a source of political instability and a threat to international security. A UN regional office on refugees will open in Riga next spring.

The latest UN report on refugees mentions Latvia as a traditional transit state on refugees' way to Scandinavia. The report also points to a large number of stateless inhabitants in Latvia and Estonia. One of its co-authors stresses that the situation undermines relations between the two countries and Russia. The report stresses that statelessness can be a source of political instability and a threat to international security. A UN regional office on refugees will open in Riga next spring. Diena

The Mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia has been extended until 1 July 1997. Although the Latvian authorities believe that the Mission has accomplished its task, the Government expects that the OSCE Mission could assist Latvia in continuing the naturalization process as well as in resolving other issues.

The Mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia has been extended until 1 July 1997. Although the Latvian authorities believe that the Mission has accomplished its task, the Government expects that the OSCE Mission could assist Latvia in continuing the naturalization process as well as in resolving other issues. Neatkariga