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

According to a source in the Russian Ministry of Defense, the construction of a radar station in Baranovichi, Byelorussia, has slowed down. The Ministry cannot cover the costs of electronic equipment to be installed at the facility. The Duma Defense Committee is likely to study the problem and may raise the issue of extending the term of operation of the Skrunda radar. A source, referred to by

According to a source in the Russian Ministry of Defense, the construction of a radar station in Baranovichi, Byelorussia, has slowed down. The Ministry cannot cover the costs of electronic equipment to be installed at the facility. The Duma Defense Committee is likely to study the problem and may raise the issue of extending the term of operation of the Skrunda radar. A source, referred to by "DIENA", says that there are no indications of Russia planning to insist on extending the term. The issue is not included in the agenda of talks between Russia and Latvia.

The

The LNNK and the Farmers' Union/the Union of Christian Democrats will agree on the candidate for Minister of Defense next week. According to the agreement between the governing factions, the Minister should represent either the LNNK or the Farmers' Union/the Christian Democratic faction. Diena

Last Monday President Ulmanis spoke in favor of universal direct presidential elections. He made the statement at the Farmers' Union Conference. The Farmers' Union supported the universal presidential elections during the drafting of the

Last Monday President Ulmanis spoke in favor of universal direct presidential elections. He made the statement at the Farmers' Union Conference. The Farmers' Union supported the universal presidential elections during the drafting of the Satversme. The concept is opposed by major governing factions. Diena

The OSCE decided to prolong the stay of its mission in Estonia. Although the activities of the OSCE Mission in the country do not meet open objections of the Estonian Government, the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the presence of OSCE representatives made the West doubt Estonia's stability.

The OSCE decided to prolong the stay of its mission in Estonia. Although the activities of the OSCE Mission in the country do not meet open objections of the Estonian Government, the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the presence of OSCE representatives made the West doubt Estonia's stability. B&B

The Trade Union of Water Transport Workers addressed President Yeltsin with a letter asking to restore special tariffs on railway transit through Latvia that were canceled last year. The letter points out that economic measures directed at protecting the rights of Russian-speakers will only damage their interests. The European Union Transport Committee plans to exclude Latvia from the list of "transit corridors" to Russia in June. The decision, if taken, would seriously damage the economic situation of Latvian ports.

The Trade Union of Water Transport Workers addressed President Yeltsin with a letter asking to restore special tariffs on railway transit through Latvia that were canceled last year. The letter points out that economic measures directed at protecting the rights of Russian-speakers will only damage their interests. The European Union Transport Committee plans to exclude Latvia from the list of "transit corridors" to Russia in June. The decision, if taken, would seriously damage the economic situation of Latvian ports. SM