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

All papers focus on the report on progress of EU candidate countries released by the European Commission. Head of the European Commission delegation in Latvia in a press conference yesterday expressed his belief that Latvia and Malta could catch up with the first group candiadtes in the accession negotiations. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins thinks that the report is objective as all the latest information was delivered to the authors of the report. He was satisfied with the prospects for Latvia to move forward with its own speed.

All papers focus on the report on progress of EU candidate countries released by the European Commission. Head of the European Commission delegation in Latvia in a press conference yesterday expressed his belief that Latvia and Malta could catch up with the first group candiadtes in the accession negotiations. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins thinks that the report is objective as all the latest information was delivered to the authors of the report. He was satisfied with the prospects for Latvia to move forward with its own speed. Diena, Neatkariga, BB, Chas, Jauna Avize

Yesterday the Saeima supported in principal the new softer amendments to the Pension Law. It is planned to pass them as a speedy bill on November 4, before the date scheduled for referendum. These amendments provide for a gradual shift to the pension age of 62 for men and women and for the working pensioners to have the salary and keep the pension up to 60 lats.

Yesterday the Saeima supported in principal the new softer amendments to the Pension Law. It is planned to pass them as a speedy bill on November 4, before the date scheduled for referendum. These amendments provide for a gradual shift to the pension age of 62 for men and women and for the working pensioners to have the salary and keep the pension up to 60 lats. Diena, Neatkariga, BB, Jauna Avize

An event to celebrate passing over of the territory of Skrunda radar station to Latvia will be held October 21. During the event Latvia and Russia will sign the passing over document with participation of members of the joint Skrunda committee and Skrunda Mayor.

An event to celebrate passing over of the territory of Skrunda radar station to Latvia will be held October 21. During the event Latvia and Russia will sign the passing over document with participation of members of the joint Skrunda committee and Skrunda Mayor. Rigas Balss, Oct. 14

Latvian MP Juris Vidins, head of the parliamentarian support group for Chechnya, sent a letter to OSCE High Commissioner asking to pay attention to genocide of Chechen people in Russia.

Latvian MP Juris Vidins, head of the parliamentarian support group for Chechnya, sent a letter to OSCE High Commissioner asking to pay attention to genocide of Chechen people in Russia. Diena