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

President Yeltsin during his meeting with Chairmen of the Houses of the Russian Parliament said that Russia reserved the right to change its policy toward NATO should the bloc be joined by former USSR republics. The agreement between Russia and NATO is to be signed on May 27. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins expressed his regret about Yeltsin statement stressing that it contradicted OSCE principles that allowed all its members to select their own security policies.

President Yeltsin during his meeting with Chairmen of the Houses of the Russian Parliament said that Russia reserved the right to change its policy toward NATO should the bloc be joined by former USSR republics. The agreement between Russia and NATO is to be signed on May 27. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins expressed his regret about Yeltsin statement stressing that it contradicted OSCE principles that allowed all its members to select their own security policies. Diena

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Saudargas signed a joint statement on border delimitation talks between the two countries. According to the document, the talks will be continued in Riga on May 23.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Saudargas signed a joint statement on border delimitation talks between the two countries. According to the document, the talks will be continued in Riga on May 23. Diena

Yesterday the LNNK faction agreed on the candidature for the post of Minister of Defence. The candidate's name will be revealed today. The most probable candidates are Juris Dobelis (LNNK) and Karlis Druva (the Farmers' Union), currently Head of the Saeima Defense Committee.

Yesterday the LNNK faction agreed on the candidature for the post of Minister of Defence. The candidate's name will be revealed today. The most probable candidates are Juris Dobelis (LNNK) and Karlis Druva (the Farmers' Union), currently Head of the Saeima Defense Committee. B&B

Boris Tsilevich in an article for "SM" claims that the discussion on the problem of non-citizens has "gradually faded" without bringing about any changes. Tsilevich interprets the situation as another victory of the National Bloc over more liberal political forces. The President is inconsistent in his statements on the non-citizens' issue. "Latvijas Cels" is safeguarding its own political interests and will not support the ideas opposed by the Nationalists. "Saimnieks" does have any clear principles and uses the issue of non-citizens for political purposes. Saeima Speaker Cepanis has suggested granting Latvian citizenship to all ethnic Ukrainians born in Latvia. This, according to Tsilevich, contradicts the Convention on Racial Discrimination that bans providing any advantages to an ethnic group in obtaining citizenship.

Boris Tsilevich in an article for "SM" claims that the discussion on the problem of non-citizens has "gradually faded" without bringing about any changes. Tsilevich interprets the situation as another victory of the National Bloc over more liberal political forces. The President is inconsistent in his statements on the non-citizens' issue. "Latvijas Cels" is safeguarding its own political interests and will not support the ideas opposed by the Nationalists. "Saimnieks" does have any clear principles and uses the issue of non-citizens for political purposes. Saeima Speaker Cepanis has suggested granting Latvian citizenship to all ethnic Ukrainians born in Latvia. This, according to Tsilevich, contradicts the Convention on Racial Discrimination that bans providing any advantages to an ethnic group in obtaining citizenship. SM