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

Press Report

The

The LNNK has three candidates for the post of Minister of Defense while the "Farmers' Union"/the Christian Democrats are expected to nominate their own candidates. The only candidate mentioned by the LNNK is Einars Cilinskis. LNNK Chairman Juris Dobelis did not name the other two candidates and said that he would not be nominated for the office. Mr. Dobelis told "DIENA" that Minister for the Affairs of the European Union Aleksandrs Kirsteins could be dismissed since he was expelled from the LNNK last Saturday. According to Prime-Minister's Advisor Juris Liepnieks, Mr. Kirsteins can retain his office while remaining an LNNK faction member. Diena

According to a source in the US Department of State, Russia will not manage to launch a new radar station in Baranovichi, Byelorussia, before August 31, 1998, i.e., before the final date of the operation of the Skrunda radar. The radar station in Byelorussia is built to take over the functions of the Skrunda radar. A US State Department Official referred to by

According to a source in the US Department of State, Russia will not manage to launch a new radar station in Baranovichi, Byelorussia, before August 31, 1998, i.e., before the final date of the operation of the Skrunda radar. The radar station in Byelorussia is built to take over the functions of the Skrunda radar. A US State Department Official referred to by "DIENA" said that the Skrunda radar currently in operation was of no strategic importance to Russia. Still, the official believes that Russia could require an extension of its operation term due to political reasons. Diena

Head of the CID Passport Division Dzintra Peneze told

Head of the CID Passport Division Dzintra Peneze told "NEATKARIGA" that 2050 new alien passports had been issued to residents of Latvia. The highest demand for the new documents was observed in Daugavpils (450) and the Vidzeme District of Riga (376). Only 60% of applicants having the right to receive new alien passports have used it. Neatkariga

Russian Ambassador Aleksander Udaltsov in an interview for

Russian Ambassador Aleksander Udaltsov in an interview for "SM" said that the Embassy "was closely involved" in resolving Natalya Parfenova's case. He confirmed that Parfenova agreed to leave for Russia being aware of her "vulnerable situation". Formally, she was still a Russian serviceman's spouse, her marriage not being dissolved. The Ambassador said that the Russian side had managed to reach "mutual understanding" with CID Director Zitars. Natalya Parfenova was issued with a Russian travel passport, and a ban on her entering Latvia within next five years was annulled. Mr. Udaltsov stressed that the Embassy would monitor further developments in Parfenova's case. SM

Chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins expressed hope that a chapter on human rights would be introduced into the Satversme. Currently, the only right guaranteed by the

Chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins expressed hope that a chapter on human rights would be introduced into the Satversme. Currently, the only right guaranteed by the Satversme is the right to vote and be elected. SM