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

On March 22 President Ulmanis received a letter by President Clinton congratulating the President and the people of Latvia on the occasion of the initialization of the agreement on troop withdrawal between Russia and Latvia. The US President promises to support the efforts of both parties in the implementation of the agreement by providing financial aid for the dismantling of the new building of the Skrunda radar station. According to the President's Office the US Embassy to Latvia requested not to publish the letter. Similar letter by the Secretary of State Mr. Warren Christopher was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Andreyevs. It is mentioned in the letter that the US Government is trying to find possibilities to finance the dismantling of the Skrunda radar station in addition to 160 mln USD that have already been allotted to the housing program for Russian officers withdrawn from Latvia. Mr.Christofer also expresses his belief that the agreement will form a reliable basis for the improvement of the relations between Latvia and Russia. He also stresses that the US will monitor the proper implementation of the agreement. Prime-Minister Birkavs received a letter by his Swedish colleague Carl Bildt who points out that the temporary presence of the Skrunda radar on the Latvian soil will not prevent Latvia from being independent in determining its foreign policy.

On March 22 President Ulmanis received a letter by President Clinton congratulating the President and the people of Latvia on the occasion of the initialization of the agreement on troop withdrawal between Russia and Latvia. The US President promises to support the efforts of both parties in the implementation of the agreement by providing financial aid for the dismantling of the new building of the Skrunda radar station. According to the President's Office the US Embassy to Latvia requested not to publish the letter. Similar letter by the Secretary of State Mr. Warren Christopher was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Andreyevs. It is mentioned in the letter that the US Government is trying to find possibilities to finance the dismantling of the Skrunda radar station in addition to 160 mln USD that have already been allotted to the housing program for Russian officers withdrawn from Latvia. Mr.Christofer also expresses his belief that the agreement will form a reliable basis for the improvement of the relations between Latvia and Russia. He also stresses that the US will monitor the proper implementation of the agreement. Prime-Minister Birkavs received a letter by his Swedish colleague Carl Bildt who points out that the temporary presence of the Skrunda radar on the Latvian soil will not prevent Latvia from being independent in determining its foreign policy. Diena, Labrit

The Democratic Party adopted a statement expressing general support of the agreement on troop withdrawal. Still, the party objects against several paragraphs of the agreement. According to Mr.Juris Celmins, a member of the party leadership, the party has strong objections against the initialization of the agreement on social guarantees for pensioned officers. He also said that the agreement should state the definite amount of the compensation for the Skrunda radar site. The party believes that it could be 40 mln USD per year to be paid by the shipments of rough materials to Latvia. Covering of the dismantling expenses by Latvia is also unacceptable to the party. The leader of the Democratic Party Mr.Aivars Kreituss said that the party fraction would not vote for the ratification of the agreement if certain amendments are not introduced. At the same time the party supports the idea of Russian-Latvian summit.

The Democratic Party adopted a statement expressing general support of the agreement on troop withdrawal. Still, the party objects against several paragraphs of the agreement. According to Mr.Juris Celmins, a member of the party leadership, the party has strong objections against the initialization of the agreement on social guarantees for pensioned officers. He also said that the agreement should state the definite amount of the compensation for the Skrunda radar site. The party believes that it could be 40 mln USD per year to be paid by the shipments of rough materials to Latvia. Covering of the dismantling expenses by Latvia is also unacceptable to the party. The leader of the Democratic Party Mr.Aivars Kreituss said that the party fraction would not vote for the ratification of the agreement if certain amendments are not introduced. At the same time the party supports the idea of Russian-Latvian summit. Diena

Estonian Parliament Vice-Chairmen Mr.Tunne Kelam and the Chairman of the Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Vello Saatpalu said that Estonia would not follow the example of Latvia regarding social guarantees for pensioned officers. At the same time both politicians stressed that there is a considerable difference between political situations in the two countries. They also do not exclude the increase of political pressure on Estonia in case Latvia signs the agreement.

Estonian Parliament Vice-Chairmen Mr.Tunne Kelam and the Chairman of the Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Vello Saatpalu said that Estonia would not follow the example of Latvia regarding social guarantees for pensioned officers. At the same time both politicians stressed that there is a considerable difference between political situations in the two countries. They also do not exclude the increase of political pressure on Estonia in case Latvia signs the agreement. Rigas Balss

The Ostankino TV Company broadcasts in Latvia may be suspended in the nearest future. The company has not paid the Latvian State Radio and TV for the re-broadcasting of its programs. The were also demands made by the spokesmen for nationalist parties to stop the re-broadcasting of programs that contain misinformation on the political situation in Latvia. The interruption of the TV broadcasts from Moscow may cause serious protests on the part of the Russian-speaking population and part of the ethnic Latvians. 

The Ostankino TV Company broadcasts in Latvia may be suspended in the nearest future. The company has not paid the Latvian State Radio and TV for the re-broadcasting of its programs. The were also demands made by the spokesmen for nationalist parties to stop the re-broadcasting of programs that contain misinformation on the political situation in Latvia. The interruption of the TV broadcasts from Moscow may cause serious protests on the part of the Russian-speaking population and part of the ethnic Latvians.Rigas Balss, SM