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

Last Friday Lithuanian Parliament received a draft law on the unilateral establishment of the country's sea border with Latvia. The draft law was submitted by President Brazauskas who suggested the Parliament should give it an extraordinary status allowing to adopt it within one day. The President's initiative is a response to the ratification of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB oil companies by the Saeima. Latvia's Ambassador to lithuania Sjantis told "DIENA" the Lithuanian initiative contradicted international law principles. "DIENA" quotes a Lithuanian diplomat who said the Parliament would adopt the law on the border while the two countries would have to take their argument to the international court. AMOCO and OPAB distributed a statement pointing at their right to annul the agreement should Latvia fail to come to agreement with Lithuania on the sea border before 31 October 1996. Lithuanian President had a telephone discussion of the issue with President Ulmanis. The Presidents agreed to continue the talks. Mr. Brazauskas says the unilateral decision on the sea border is a provisional measure and should not be interpreted as an unfriendly gesture. Prime-Minister Skele told "NEATKARIGA" Latvia suggested joint exploitation of oil fields in the argued area.

Last Friday Lithuanian Parliament received a draft law on the unilateral establishment of the country's sea border with Latvia. The draft law was submitted by President Brazauskas who suggested the Parliament should give it an extraordinary status allowing to adopt it within one day. The President's initiative is a response to the ratification of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB oil companies by the Saeima. Latvia's Ambassador to lithuania Sjantis told "DIENA" the Lithuanian initiative contradicted international law principles. "DIENA" quotes a Lithuanian diplomat who said the Parliament would adopt the law on the border while the two countries would have to take their argument to the international court. AMOCO and OPAB distributed a statement pointing at their right to annul the agreement should Latvia fail to come to agreement with Lithuania on the sea border before 31 October 1996. Lithuanian President had a telephone discussion of the issue with President Ulmanis. The Presidents agreed to continue the talks. Mr. Brazauskas says the unilateral decision on the sea border is a provisional measure and should not be interpreted as an unfriendly gesture. Prime-Minister Skele told "NEATKARIGA" Latvia suggested joint exploitation of oil fields in the argued area. Diena, Neatkariga

Talks between Latvia and Russia on border issues will be continued on October 31/November 1. According to Head of the Latvian delegation Aivars Vovers, Latvian side will not insist on discussing the 1920 Peace Treaty. Previously Latvia insisted on referring to the 1920 Treaty.

Talks between Latvia and Russia on border issues will be continued on October 31/November 1. According to Head of the Latvian delegation Aivars Vovers, Latvian side will not insist on discussing the 1920 Peace Treaty. Previously Latvia insisted on referring to the 1920 Treaty. Neatkariga

Last Friday Prime-Minister Skele said he decided postpone the discussion of a plan for the Cabinet reorganization. He expects "Saimnieks" to name its candidate for the office of the Minister of Finance. "Saimnieks" still has not named a candidate for the office of the Minister of Finance. The party insists on retaining the post of the Deputy Prime-Minister and is expected to suggest Mr. Juris Kaksitis for the office. The party objects against the draft budget and is about to suggest numerous amendments to the draft law on the budget. Deputy-Head of the "Saimnieks" faction Juris Celmins told "NEATKARIGA" the party would not leave the Cabinet if the budget was left unamended. Last Saturday "Saimnieks" party council decided the party should stay in the Government.

Last Friday Prime-Minister Skele said he decided postpone the discussion of a plan for the Cabinet reorganization. He expects "Saimnieks" to name its candidate for the office of the Minister of Finance. "Saimnieks" still has not named a candidate for the office of the Minister of Finance. The party insists on retaining the post of the Deputy Prime-Minister and is expected to suggest Mr. Juris Kaksitis for the office. The party objects against the draft budget and is about to suggest numerous amendments to the draft law on the budget. Deputy-Head of the "Saimnieks" faction Juris Celmins told "NEATKARIGA" the party would not leave the Cabinet if the budget was left unamended. Last Saturday "Saimnieks" party council decided the party should stay in the Government. Neatkariga, Diena

The Congress of the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party adopted a decision on merging with the Social-Democratic Party headed by Juris Bojars. Some of the Congress participants interviewed by "DIENA" believe Janis Adamsons could be elected a Chairman of the new party. According to "DIENA", most Social Democrats are not enthusiastic about the Kreituses joining the Social-Democratic movement.

The Congress of the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party adopted a decision on merging with the Social-Democratic Party headed by Juris Bojars. Some of the Congress participants interviewed by "DIENA" believe Janis Adamsons could be elected a Chairman of the new party. According to "DIENA", most Social Democrats are not enthusiastic about the Kreituses joining the Social-Democratic movement. Diena