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

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret in connection with the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The statement criticized Latvia for an inadequate reaction to the incident in its economic zone. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Russian side has not responded to Latvia's request for explaining the reasons for a stay of Russian war ships in its economic zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia says the stay of the ships in the close proximity of Latvia's border contradicts the spirit the Helsinki Act.

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret in connection with the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The statement criticized Latvia for an inadequate reaction to the incident in its economic zone. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Russian side has not responded to Latvia's request for explaining the reasons for a stay of Russian war ships in its economic zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia says the stay of the ships in the close proximity of Latvia's border contradicts the spirit the Helsinki Act. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the "Saimnieks" faction elected Mr. Ziedonis Cevers a Chairman of the Faction. Mr. Juris Celmins was elected his deputy. Now the party leaders are heading the faction as well since Cevers is the Party Chairman while Celmins is a Deputy-Chairman. Meanwhile, "Saimnieks" is said to insist on retaining the post of the Deputy Prime-Minister. Saeima insiders say current Saeima Speaker Mr. Ameriks could take the office with A.Krastins (currently the Minister of Defense) receiving the post of the Speaker. Diena

Russian authorities refused to issue visas to Saeima deputies Juris Vidins (

Russian authorities refused to issue visas to Saeima deputies Juris Vidins ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") and Janis Adamsons (independent deputy). Both are members of the Parliamentary Group for the Support of Chechnya. The two deputies were invited to Ingtushetia by the People's Assembly of the Republic. SM

Security issues prevailed in the agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri. The declaration signed by the Presidents names integration of the Baltic states into NATO a prerequisite of a long-term cooperation and stability in Europe. The Presidents believe all candidate states should start the talks on joining the EU simultaneously not later than six months after the EU Conference. The Declaration outlines the importance of neighborly relations with Russia.

Security issues prevailed in the agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri. The declaration signed by the Presidents names integration of the Baltic states into NATO a prerequisite of a long-term cooperation and stability in Europe. The Presidents believe all candidate states should start the talks on joining the EU simultaneously not later than six months after the EU Conference. The Declaration outlines the importance of neighborly relations with Russia. Diena, Neatkariga

Head of the UNDP Latvian Bureau John Hendra in an interview for

Head of the UNDP Latvian Bureau John Hendra in an interview for "DIENA" named the development of the language study program as one of the priority tasks of the Bureau. Mr. Hendra says minority representatives will be involved more actively in the UNDP activities. Touching upon the refugee problem he pointed out the importance of Latvia developing a relevant policy that would allow for a close cooperation between Latvia, the UN, the UNDP, and Nordic countries on the issue. According to Mr. Hendra, the Bureau in its present form will last for six more years to be transferred into a regional bureau with functions different from those currently performed by the UNDP Latvian Bureau. Diena