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

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima declined amendments to the Citizenship Law drafted by the Saeima Committee on Education and Science. According to the amendments, the President would be given the right to suggest candidates to be granted citizenship for an outstanding service to Latvia. The candidates were to be supported by a the Saeima. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction did not agree to bringing any amendments to the Citizenship Law and to extending the powers of the President. Neatkariga

According to Danish newspaper

According to Danish newspaper "B.T.", the Danish Prime-Minister's chancellory crossed out a period from the Queen's speech delivered at a dinner on March 18. The part of the speech crossed out said that Denmark supported the joining of NATO by the Baltic countries. President Ulmanis refused to comment on the issue at a press-conference. Diena

Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Sergey Yastrzhembsky said that issues related to the Baltic states would not be on the agenda of the Helsinki summit. Mr. Yastrzhembsky stressed that Yeltsin's meeting with President Clinton was not directed against third parties. "We will not decide the fate of independent countries behind their backs," said the Press-Secretary. Spokesmen for American and Russian sides at the meeting say that reaching a definite agreement on NATO enlargement was not among the objectives of the summit.

Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Sergey Yastrzhembsky said that issues related to the Baltic states would not be on the agenda of the Helsinki summit. Mr. Yastrzhembsky stressed that Yeltsin's meeting with President Clinton was not directed against third parties. "We will not decide the fate of independent countries behind their backs," said the Press-Secretary. Spokesmen for American and Russian sides at the meeting say that reaching a definite agreement on NATO enlargement was not among the objectives of the summit. Diena

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the recent parade of the SS Legion veterans in Riga and an act of vandalism against the Monument to the Liberators of Riga.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the recent parade of the SS Legion veterans in Riga and an act of vandalism against the Monument to the Liberators of Riga. SM

The Riga City Council decided to reorganize the Riga Experimental Polish School. According to the city authorities, the school does not meet standard requirements and will be merged with the Polish Secondary School. Still, the Union of Latvia's Poles believes that the reorganization means the closure of the school.

The Riga City Council decided to reorganize the Riga Experimental Polish School. According to the city authorities, the school does not meet standard requirements and will be merged with the Polish Secondary School. Still, the Union of Latvia's Poles believes that the reorganization means the closure of the school. Diena