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

On Friday, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs met with his German colleague K.Kinkel. During this meeting they also discussed Latvian Russian relations. Mr. Kinkel congratulated the steps of Latvian government taken to ease the Naturalisation process for non-citizens, taking into consideration OSCE and EU proposals. “Now it is Russia’s turn to show patience and sense of proportion,” stressed German Minister of Foreign Affairs. V.Birkavs was satisfied with this meeting and said that he had got one more confirmation that Germany was supporting Latvia on its road to EU.

On Friday, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs met with his German colleague K.Kinkel. During this meeting they also discussed Latvian Russian relations. Mr. Kinkel congratulated the steps of Latvian government taken to ease the Naturalisation process for non-citizens, taking into consideration OSCE and EU proposals. Now it is Russias turn to show patience and sense of proportion, stressed German Minister of Foreign Affairs. V.Birkavs was satisfied with this meeting and said that he had got one more confirmation that Germany was supporting Latvia on its road to EU. Diena, Jauna Avize

US State Department has congratulated Latvian government proposals concerning Naturalisation of non-citizens and asked the Saeima to adopt those proposals. Latvian State President G.Ulmanis considered those letters of US officials as an evidence to the great meaning of US Baltic Charter, told

US State Department has congratulated Latvian government proposals concerning Naturalisation of non-citizens and asked the Saeima to adopt those proposals. Latvian State President G.Ulmanis considered those letters of US officials as an evidence to the great meaning of US Baltic Charter, told Diena his Press Secretary V.Savicka. Russian MFA considers that the letter of US State Secretary to this Ministry is neither strict or ultimatum. The Speaker of the US State Department J.Rubin announced to the press on Thursday that US State Secretary M.Albright in her letter to Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov had voiced her worries that Russian Latvian problems could not be solved through a dialogue. Russian MFA considers this letter as one of the steps in the dialogue between the heads of the US and Russian foreign policy departments. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Chass alsowrites that Great Britain as the leading state of EU asked the Latvian government to adopt the plan of integration of Russian minority into Latvian society. This was the first time when Europe started to speak not about the problem of non-citizens - citizens but Latvians - non-Latvians. “EU is deeply interested in satisfactory solution in doing away with different attitude when treating non-Latvian citizens of Latvia.” It is also noted in the announcement that the issue of integration has been raised concerning Latvia’s wish to join EU. EU considers it very important that governmental programs would fully correspond to OSCE standards and hopes that Latvian parliament will take quick steps to adopt the decision of the government.

Chass alsowrites that Great Britain as the leading state of EU asked the Latvian government to adopt the plan of integration of Russian minority into Latvian society. This was the first time when Europe started to speak not about the problem of non-citizens - citizens but Latvians - non-Latvians. EU is deeply interested in satisfactory solution in doing away with different attitude when treating non-Latvian citizens of Latvia. It is also noted in the announcement that the issue of integration has been raised concerning Latvias wish to join EU. EU considers it very important that governmental programs would fully correspond to OSCE standards and hopes that Latvian parliament will take quick steps to adopt the decision of the government.

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and CBSS Commissioner Ole Espersen are glad for Latvian government intention to amend the Law on Citizenship but would not be satisfied if these amendments would come into force only after one year after their adoption. OSCE High Commissioner during his discussion with Latvian Prime Minister G.Krasts said that recent government decisions would undoubtedly further integration of Latvia into EU. Max van der Stoel also hoped that non-citizens would react positively by submitting applications for Naturalisation. He also highly appreciated the intention of the government to take into consideration OSCE recommendations concerning the State Language Law.

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and CBSS Commissioner Ole Espersen are glad for Latvian government intention to amend the Law on Citizenship but would not be satisfied if these amendments would come into force only after one year after their adoption. OSCE High Commissioner during his discussion with Latvian Prime Minister G.Krasts said that recent government decisions would undoubtedly further integration of Latvia into EU. Max van der Stoel also hoped that non-citizens would react positively by submitting applications for Naturalisation. He also highly appreciated the intention of the government to take into consideration OSCE recommendations concerning the State Language Law.

CBSS Commissioner O.Esperson called these government proposals as a courageous and wise step, taking into consideration the situation in the country. He expressed hope that the government would amendment also other laws to harmonise them with the demands of international conventions. Next week he plans to visit Russia, where he will inform the Parliament members on the things learned in Riga. He would try to use his visit to help to restart the dialogue between Russia and Latvia.

CBSS Commissioner O.Esperson called these government proposals as a courageous and wise step, taking into consideration the situation in the country. He expressed hope that the government would amendment also other laws to harmonise them with the demands of international conventions. Next week he plans to visit Russia, where he will inform the Parliament members on the things learned in Riga. He would try to use his visit to help to restart the dialogue between Russia and Latvia. Diena, Neatkarig, SM, Panorama Latvii

Till the next meeting of the government on April 21, the expert working group has to finish their work on amendments to the Law on Citizenship. Now experts are busy, and no comments are made. At the extraordinary meeting of the government, summoned by the State President, a decision was taken to support OSCE recommendations concerning the annulment of Naturalisation windows and granting citizenship to children of non-citizens born in Latvia after restoration of Latvian independence. These amendments are to be submitted to the Saeima till April 23.

Till the next meeting of the government on April 21, the expert working group has to finish their work on amendments to the Law on Citizenship. Now experts are busy, and no comments are made. At the extraordinary meeting of the government, summoned by the State President, a decision was taken to support OSCE recommendations concerning the annulment of Naturalisation windows and granting citizenship to children of non-citizens born in Latvia after restoration of Latvian independence. These amendments are to be submitted to the Saeima till April 23. Neatkariga