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

Prime-Minister Birkavs and the representative of the North-Western Group of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Tailakov signed an act on the transfer of the technical documentation on Skrunda radar to the Latvian side on May 4. The documentation will transferred within the period of 2-3 weeks. Today an expert commission is expected to visit the facility. After the evaluation of the facility by the commission the Government will announce a competition for private companies to be contracted for dismantling. The facilities transferred to Latvia will be guarded by the Latvian National Guards, Defence Forces, or police. Russian army will guard the facilities until May 10.

Prime-Minister Birkavs and the representative of the North-Western Group of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Tailakov signed an act on the transfer of the technical documentation on Skrunda radar to the Latvian side on May 4. The documentation will transferred within the period of 2-3 weeks. Today an expert commission is expected to visit the facility. After the evaluation of the facility by the commission the Government will announce a competition for private companies to be contracted for dismantling. The facilities transferred to Latvia will be guarded by the Latvian National Guards, Defence Forces, or police. Russian army will guard the facilities until May 10. Diena, Labrit

In his interview for DIENA President Ulmanis pointed out that Russian President Yeltsin had shown his eagerness to solve the troop withdrawal-associated problems. He noted that human rights issues had not been mentioned by the Russian side. Mr.Ulmanis also expressed hope that Russia would acknowledge the occupation of Latvia after the completion of the withdrawal. He stressed that it was extremely important that Russian foreign policies remained stable during the implementation of the agreements. Mr.Ulmanis said that the signing of the agreements had not caused any contradictions between Latvia and other two Baltic states since it was especially important to withdraw Russian troops from Latvia, the country being the strategic center of the North-Western Army Group. Speaking about the upcoming citizenship law President Ulmanis emphasized the importance of its adoption in May. He approved of the existing draft and stressed that in the current situation the law would be supported by the Western community.

In his interview for DIENA President Ulmanis pointed out that Russian President Yeltsin had shown his eagerness to solve the troop withdrawal-associated problems. He noted that human rights issues had not been mentioned by the Russian side. Mr.Ulmanis also expressed hope that Russia would acknowledge the occupation of Latvia after the completion of the withdrawal. He stressed that it was extremely important that Russian foreign policies remained stable during the implementation of the agreements. Mr.Ulmanis said that the signing of the agreements had not caused any contradictions between Latvia and other two Baltic states since it was especially important to withdraw Russian troops from Latvia, the country being the strategic center of the North-Western Army Group. Speaking about the upcoming citizenship law President Ulmanis emphasized the importance of its adoption in May. He approved of the existing draft and stressed that in the current situation the law would be supported by the Western community. Diena

President Ulmanis told the press on May 4 that Lithuania and Estonia had supported the agreements signed in Moscow. The president did not give any specific details on his meeting with the presidents of two other Baltic countries and said that the main issue of the agenda was the situation in the Baltic region after the signing of the agreements between Russia and Latvia.

President Ulmanis told the press on May 4 that Lithuania and Estonia had supported the agreements signed in Moscow. The president did not give any specific details on his meeting with the presidents of two other Baltic countries and said that the main issue of the agenda was the situation in the Baltic region after the signing of the agreements between Russia and Latvia. Diena, Labrit

It is still uncertain whether Saeima will reconsider the decree on the suspension of the mandates of the five deputies accused in collaboration with the KGB. Meanwhile there are rumors of another five names to be announced soon.

It is still uncertain whether Saeima will reconsider the decree on the suspension of the mandates of the five deputies accused in collaboration with the KGB. Meanwhile there are rumors of another five names to be announced soon. Diena

Contradictions grow inside the governing coalition in connection with the second reading of the draft citizenship law worked out by the "Latvijas Cels" fraction. The Farmers' Union has serious objections against the withdrawal of the quota principle from the draft by "Latvijas Cels". The Leader of the Farmers' Union Mr.Rozentals told the DIENA journalists that the fraction supports only the basic draft citizenship law adopted in its first reading since it complies with the Union's political programme. Several "Latvijas Cels" deputies also objected against the naturalization principles introduced into the second reading in accordance with the recommendations of the Council of Europe and the CSCE. "Latviajs Cels" is continuing to discuss the draft law and is planning to submit it for discussion to other fractions next week. The plenary meeting of Saeima on the second reading of the draft citizenship law is expected to take place after the local elections.

Contradictions grow inside the governing coalition in connection with the second reading of the draft citizenship law worked out by the "Latvijas Cels" fraction. The Farmers' Union has serious objections against the withdrawal of the quota principle from the draft by "Latvijas Cels". The Leader of the Farmers' Union Mr.Rozentals told the DIENA journalists that the fraction supports only the basic draft citizenship law adopted in its first reading since it complies with the Union's political programme. Several "Latvijas Cels" deputies also objected against the naturalization principles introduced into the second reading in accordance with the recommendations of the Council of Europe and the CSCE. "Latviajs Cels" is continuing to discuss the draft law and is planning to submit it for discussion to other fractions next week. The plenary meeting of Saeima on the second reading of the draft citizenship law is expected to take place after the local elections. Diena

In his interview for LABRIT one of the leaders of the League of the Stateless Individuals Mr.Boris Cilevics explained the objectives of the organization and the purpose of poll currently held to elect the board of the league. He said that the board of the league would represent the interests of non-citizens and would not in any manner claim for the role of an alternative government. The list of the candidates for the board includes 22 entries and voters can suggest their own candidates as well. Mr.Cilevics also mentioned his meeting with Minister of Justice Levits. The Ministry of Justice has refused to officially register the League since it is only the citizens of the Latvian Republic who are entitled to the right of being engaged into political activities. Mr.Cilevics stressed the necessity of the alien law defining economical and social rights of non-citizens. The "Equal Rights" fraction criticized the League for the lack of a well-defined program and for attempting to build-up a two-community state in Latvia.

In his interview for LABRIT one of the leaders of the League of the Stateless Individuals Mr.Boris Cilevics explained the objectives of the organization and the purpose of poll currently held to elect the board of the league. He said that the board of the league would represent the interests of non-citizens and would not in any manner claim for the role of an alternative government. The list of the candidates for the board includes 22 entries and voters can suggest their own candidates as well. Mr.Cilevics also mentioned his meeting with Minister of Justice Levits. The Ministry of Justice has refused to officially register the League since it is only the citizens of the Latvian Republic who are entitled to the right of being engaged into political activities. Mr.Cilevics stressed the necessity of the alien law defining economical and social rights of non-citizens. The "Equal Rights" fraction criticized the League for the lack of a well-defined program and for attempting to build-up a two-community state in Latvia. Labrit