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 Report

The Russian Embassy in Latvia organised a briefing concerning the issue of military persons employed in dismantling of the Skrunda Radar Station. More than thirty military persons asked the Latvian parliament and the government to assist in prolongation of their visas, since the Russian Federation had not solved problems related housing after their return to Russia. According to representatives of the Russian Federation, the problem is solved now. Thirty two persons have received certificates (vouchers) for acquiring apartments in Russia. Besides, the during the talks with the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry and the DCMA a resolution was passed to prolong residence permits of these persons until everything is ready for their departure to Russia. SM journalist Natalia Lebedeva asked Col. Alexander Nikitin to explain the existing situation. According to Col. Nikitin, main issue was related with those military persons who resigned from the active service in the Russian Armed Forces, and who wanted to choose where to reside after their return to Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defence, hovewer, cannot satisfy this requirement of choosing a residence place. According to Colonel-General Victor Smirnov, majority of military persons is offered apartments in Kostroma and Orlov region, as well as Belgorod and Voronezh regions.

The Russian Embassy in Latvia organised a briefing concerning the issue of military persons employed in dismantling of the Skrunda Radar Station. More than thirty military persons asked the Latvian parliament and the government to assist in prolongation of their visas, since the Russian Federation had not solved problems related housing after their return to Russia. According to representatives of the Russian Federation, the problem is solved now. Thirty two persons have received certificates (vouchers) for acquiring apartments in Russia. Besides, the during the talks with the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry and the DCMA a resolution was passed to prolong residence permits of these persons until everything is ready for their departure to Russia. SM journalist Natalia Lebedeva asked Col. Alexander Nikitin to explain the existing situation. According to Col. Nikitin, main issue was related with those military persons who resigned from the active service in the Russian Armed Forces, and who wanted to choose where to reside after their return to Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defence, hovewer, cannot satisfy this requirement of choosing a residence place. According to Colonel-General Victor Smirnov, majority of military persons is offered apartments in Kostroma and Orlov region, as well as Belgorod and Voronezh regions. Panorama Latvii, SM

On Friday during the meeting of the Latvian and Estonian delegations in Tallinn, an agreement about favourable conditions of border crossing for persons residing in the border zone, was initialled. According to this agreement, resident of Latvia and Estonia will be able to cross the border on favourable conditions by presenting a permit which will be issued according to list of persons residing in the border zone. Persons included in this list will be able to reside in other country for 90 days per half a year. An additional protocol of the agreement regulates the border crossing issues of inhabitants of Valka and Valga.

On Friday during the meeting of the Latvian and Estonian delegations in Tallinn, an agreement about favourable conditions of border crossing for persons residing in the border zone, was initialled. According to this agreement, resident of Latvia and Estonia will be able to cross the border on favourable conditions by presenting a permit which will be issued according to list of persons residing in the border zone. Persons included in this list will be able to reside in other country for 90 days per half a year. An additional protocol of the agreement regulates the border crossing issues of inhabitants of Valka and Valga. Diena