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

Yesterday the Saeima recalled Mrs. Ilga Kreituse from the post of the Saeima speaker.

Yesterday the Saeima recalled Mrs. Ilga Kreituse from the post of the Saeima speaker. "Saimnieks" member Alfreds Cepanis (a former Deputy-Chairman) was elected Chairman of the Saeima while Aivars Jirgens of "Tevzemei un Brivibai" took Mr. Cepanis' post. "Latvijas Cels" objected against a "hasty" adoption of the draft law on the issue submitted to the Saeima by "Saimnieks" the same day. That could be explained by the fact that "LC" being the most numerous faction (sixteen seats) has only one seat in the Saeima Presidium. Mrs. Kreituse told the press she might join a left-wing party (most probably the Social-Democratic Workers' Party) and was going to continue her political career. (DIENA, NEATKARIGA, SM, 27 September)

The Minister of Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other Government officials recognize Latvia is not ready to join NATO at the "first stage of its enlargement". Minister of Defense Krastins believes the security of the Baltic states will not be affected by W.Perry's recent statement who said the three countries were not ready to fulfill the basic requirements of the Treaty. Member of the Saeima Committee for Foreign Affairs says Latvia's security to depend mostly on its relations with Russia, both political and economic. Former British Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Brightwhite says the US has been paying more attention to Russia's attitude toward the enlargement of NATO lately. He expressed the opinion at a seminar in Tallinn. He stressed that Russia still had no objections against the Baltic states joining the European Union and added that "the Russians had no clear idea of the European Union membership."

The Minister of Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other Government officials recognize Latvia is not ready to join NATO at the "first stage of its enlargement". Minister of Defense Krastins believes the security of the Baltic states will not be affected by W.Perry's recent statement who said the three countries were not ready to fulfill the basic requirements of the Treaty. Member of the Saeima Committee for Foreign Affairs says Latvia's security to depend mostly on its relations with Russia, both political and economic. Former British Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Brightwhite says the US has been paying more attention to Russia's attitude toward the enlargement of NATO lately. He expressed the opinion at a seminar in Tallinn. He stressed that Russia still had no objections against the Baltic states joining the European Union and added that "the Russians had no clear idea of the European Union membership." Diena

Mr. Juris Dobelis of

Mr. Juris Dobelis of LNNK made a detailed analysis of the number, the age, and the status of former Russian servicemen residing currently in Latvia. His research allows to prove that several thousands former servicemen have managed to evade any form of registration by the Latvian authorities. According to Dobelis, there are 14,000 25 to 45 years old retired servicemen registered in the Register of Inhabitants as permanent residents ("square stamps") or holding residence permits. Having such a group of well-trained professional military specialists in their prime on Latvia's territory is a potential threat to the country's security. He suggests Latvia should be more energetic in making the international community aware of the situation, it being one of occupation consequences. Diena