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 Review

Swedish Prime-Minister will visit Riga on March 30. The aim of the visit will be the discussion of the agreements between Latvia and Russia with President Ulmanis and Prime-Minister Birkavs. Swedish Prime-Minister will deliver a speech at the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Saema and have a joint press-conference with the Latvian Prime-Minister.

Swedish Prime-Minister will visit Riga on March 30. The aim of the visit will be the discussion of the agreements between Latvia and Russia with President Ulmanis and Prime-Minister Birkavs. Swedish Prime-Minister will deliver a speech at the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Saema and have a joint press-conference with the Latvian Prime-Minister. Diena

Rihards Kulis in his article for "LABRIT" examines the pros and cons of the agreement with Russia. Among other reasons in favor of the ratification of the agreement he names the fact that Skrunda is more of a political than of a military importance to Russia since the liberal forces in the Russian Government are leaving the radar station in Latvia mainly to pacify the imperialists.

Rihards Kulis in his article for "LABRIT" examines the pros and cons of the agreement with Russia. Among other reasons in favor of the ratification of the agreement he names the fact that Skrunda is more of a political than of a military importance to Russia since the liberal forces in the Russian Government are leaving the radar station in Latvia mainly to pacify the imperialists. Labrit

Radio engineer Olgerts Gulans gives a survey of the history of the Skrunda radar station in his article in "NEATKARIGA CINA". He stresses that the station is a nuclear attack co-ordination center thus having little importance for Russian defence strategies. He also points out that the new building of the station was equipped with cranes in the eighties to make possible quick dismantling and hiding of electronic equipment in case of international inspections.

Radio engineer Olgerts Gulans gives a survey of the history of the Skrunda radar station in his article in "NEATKARIGA CINA". He stresses that the station is a nuclear attack co-ordination center thus having little importance for Russian defence strategies. He also points out that the new building of the station was equipped with cranes in the eighties to make possible quick dismantling and hiding of electronic equipment in case of international inspections. Neatkariga Cina

The meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Koziryev and the Supreme Commissioner of the CSCE Mr. Van der Stoel is scheduled for March 29 and will be dedicated primarily to the rights of the Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia.

The meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Koziryev and the Supreme Commissioner of the CSCE Mr. Van der Stoel is scheduled for March 29 and will be dedicated primarily to the rights of the Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Neatkariga Cina

The State Minister for Baltic and Nordic Affairs Mr.Gunars Mejerovitc had a meeting with the Head of the Mission of the Organization for International Migration Mr.Opdal. The Organization will attempt to find the countries that will agree to receive emigrants from Latvia. Australia and Argentina could be among such countries. The Head of the Mission also met the Head of the CID Mr.Zitars to discuss possible co-operation program for the improvement of immigration and border control, etc.

The State Minister for Baltic and Nordic Affairs Mr.Gunars Mejerovitc had a meeting with the Head of the Mission of the Organization for International Migration Mr.Opdal. The Organization will attempt to find the countries that will agree to receive emigrants from Latvia. Australia and Argentina could be among such countries. The Head of the Mission also met the Head of the CID Mr.Zitars to discuss possible co-operation program for the improvement of immigration and border control, etc. Diena

The Saema Commission for Human Rights has submitted the draft law on politically repressed to the Presidium of the Saema. The law defines as "politically repressed" Latvian citizens and permanent residents who suffered during the Communist regime after June 17, 1940 and during the Nazi occupation. The law defines the status of such persons while their possible privileges or the procedure for the restoration of their property rights will de decided upon by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to Inese Birzniece, the Head of the Human Rights Commission, the major difference of the draft from the corresponding law currently in force is that it recognizes both occupation regimes and refers also to individuals oppressed by the Nazi regime on the Latvian soil.

The Saema Commission for Human Rights has submitted the draft law on politically repressed to the Presidium of the Saema. The law defines as "politically repressed" Latvian citizens and permanent residents who suffered during the Communist regime after June 17, 1940 and during the Nazi occupation. The law defines the status of such persons while their possible privileges or the procedure for the restoration of their property rights will de decided upon by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to Inese Birzniece, the Head of the Human Rights Commission, the major difference of the draft from the corresponding law currently in force is that it recognizes both occupation regimes and refers also to individuals oppressed by the Nazi regime on the Latvian soil. Labrit

Starting from March 28 OSTANKINO TV broadcasts were cut-off in Estonia. It was the only Russian-language TV channel in the country. OSTANKINO TV has not paid the debt of over $ 180,000 for the re-broadcasting of its programs. The Estonian side sent a text of a new contract to be signed with OSTANKINO TV after the debt is paid. The Russian TV company has not received any aid from the Ministry of Finance and is currently on the verge of bankruptcy.

Starting from March 28 OSTANKINO TV broadcasts were cut-off in Estonia. It was the only Russian-language TV channel in the country. OSTANKINO TV has not paid the debt of over $ 180,000 for the re-broadcasting of its programs. The Estonian side sent a text of a new contract to be signed with OSTANKINO TV after the debt is paid. The Russian TV company has not received any aid from the Ministry of Finance and is currently on the verge of bankruptcy. Labrit