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

Yesterday Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a note protesting against Latvia agreeing with oil companies on exploratory operations in the Baltic Sea areas without resolving the maritime border problem with Lithuania. The note was handed over to the Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania Mr. Sjantis. The document declares the agreement invalid. Lithuanian Government will not agree to any illegal activities violating its sovereignty South of the line drawn between its land border and a point stated in the note. The note suggests the Government of Latvia to suspend all activities connected with its agreement with the oil companies and to discuss the concept of a joint exploiting of the oil field. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania also called upon AMOCO and OPAP companies to abstain from making statements on their right for exploratory operations in the disputable area. The move by the Lithuanian Government shows a tendency to a much firmer stand toward the maritime border problem and can be interpreted as an attempt to establish the border unilaterally.

Yesterday Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a note protesting against Latvia agreeing with oil companies on exploratory operations in the Baltic Sea areas without resolving the maritime border problem with Lithuania. The note was handed over to the Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania Mr. Sjantis. The document declares the agreement invalid. Lithuanian Government will not agree to any illegal activities violating its sovereignty South of the line drawn between its land border and a point stated in the note. The note suggests the Government of Latvia to suspend all activities connected with its agreement with the oil companies and to discuss the concept of a joint exploiting of the oil field. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania also called upon AMOCO and OPAP companies to abstain from making statements on their right for exploratory operations in the disputable area. The move by the Lithuanian Government shows a tendency to a much firmer stand toward the maritime border problem and can be interpreted as an attempt to establish the border unilaterally. Diena, B&B

The “Unity” Party and

The Unity Party and Saimnieks factions are planning to sign an agreement on forming a block in the Saeima. Deputy-Chairman of the Unity party Svitrins told DIENA the parties had already agreed on conditions to be observed by both sides. The factions will sign the agreement by the end of this week. Diena