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

A 110 KV power supply mast was blown up between midnight and 1 a.m. on Monday 3 km away from the Skrunde radar station. The power supply line was used by the station. That did not cause any failures in the operation of the radar since it had another back-up supply line running from Tukums. According to local police authorities Russian officers in charge of the station have not noticed any breaks in power supply and learned about the accident from the police. The accident is evaluated by the Government officials as an act of terrorism. The Ambassador of Russia to Latvia has addressed the Government of Latvia with a note of protest. The ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia issued a statement saying that the Government would undertake all possible measures to investigate the incident and to prosecute the terrorists. Both journalists and politicians suggest that the act of terrorism could be performed by nationalists to attract international attention to Russian military presence in Latvia. On the other hand it could be certain political groups in Russia that are interested in postponing the troops' withdrawal that organized the act. The incident was connected by the press to the attack on the air-force base in Estonia and rumors of Russian soldiers being beaten up in Latvia that had been spread by Russian radio-station MAYAK. It is also linked to the upcoming round of talks between Russia and Latvia on the troops' withdrawal. The press also reminds the readers about the series of similar "mysterious" explosions in 1990. According to the Russian Army Press-Center spokesmen the incident was discussed by Mr.Ulmanis and Mr.Mayorov, still the President's Office denies that there have been any contacts between the President and the Commander of the Russian troops.

A 110 KV power supply mast was blown up between midnight and 1 a.m. on Monday 3 km away from the Skrunde radar station. The power supply line was used by the station. That did not cause any failures in the operation of the radar since it had another back-up supply line running from Tukums. According to local police authorities Russian officers in charge of the station have not noticed any breaks in power supply and learned about the accident from the police. The accident is evaluated by the Government officials as an act of terrorism. The Ambassador of Russia to Latvia has addressed the Government of Latvia with a note of protest. The ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia issued a statement saying that the Government would undertake all possible measures to investigate the incident and to prosecute the terrorists. Both journalists and politicians suggest that the act of terrorism could be performed by nationalists to attract international attention to Russian military presence in Latvia. On the other hand it could be certain political groups in Russia that are interested in postponing the troops' withdrawal that organized the act. The incident was connected by the press to the attack on the air-force base in Estonia and rumors of Russian soldiers being beaten up in Latvia that had been spread by Russian radio-station MAYAK. It is also linked to the upcoming round of talks between Russia and Latvia on the troops' withdrawal. The press also reminds the readers about the series of similar "mysterious" explosions in 1990. According to the Russian Army Press-Center spokesmen the incident was discussed by Mr.Ulmanis and Mr.Mayorov, still the President's Office denies that there have been any contacts between the President and the Commander of the Russian troops. Labrit, Diena, Neatkariga

The deputy-head of the Latvian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks Mr.Vovers informed the press that the next round of the talks was scheduled to start on March 14 in Riga. According to Mr.Vovers the main problem to be solved is the definition of the criteria to determine the category of retired officers entitled to social security. Another problem is connected with their status. According to Mr.Vovers the retired army officers will not receive the permanent resident's status, still Latvia should guarantee that such persons will have no problems associated with their residence in Latvia. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction has issued the statement suggesting that the Saema should consider the draft decree on the talks between Latvia and Russia worked out by the fraction. The objective of the decree is to specify the commission of the Latvian delegation to the talks. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction also considers it necessary to accelerate the adoption of an official request to the UN to ensure that Russia acknowledges its occupation of Latvia in 1940. During a press-conference it was stressed by the party spokesmen that the issues of the Russian military presence and of the Skrunde radar are too important to be decided upon only by the Cabinet of Ministers. "Latvian Cels" fraction leader Mr.Berzins allowed the possibility of these issues being discussed at a plenary meeting, still he stressed that his fraction would insist on the prompt ratification of the agreement with Russia. The reason for such approach is the extremely unstable political situation in Russia. According to Mr.Berzins the document on Russian occupation to be submitted to the UN is being currently prepared by the Commission for Foreign Affairs.

The deputy-head of the Latvian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks Mr.Vovers informed the press that the next round of the talks was scheduled to start on March 14 in Riga. According to Mr.Vovers the main problem to be solved is the definition of the criteria to determine the category of retired officers entitled to social security. Another problem is connected with their status. According to Mr.Vovers the retired army officers will not receive the permanent resident's status, still Latvia should guarantee that such persons will have no problems associated with their residence in Latvia. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction has issued the statement suggesting that the Saema should consider the draft decree on the talks between Latvia and Russia worked out by the fraction. The objective of the decree is to specify the commission of the Latvian delegation to the talks. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction also considers it necessary to accelerate the adoption of an official request to the UN to ensure that Russia acknowledges its occupation of Latvia in 1940. During a press-conference it was stressed by the party spokesmen that the issues of the Russian military presence and of the Skrunde radar are too important to be decided upon only by the Cabinet of Ministers. "Latvian Cels" fraction leader Mr.Berzins allowed the possibility of these issues being discussed at a plenary meeting, still he stressed that his fraction would insist on the prompt ratification of the agreement with Russia. The reason for such approach is the extremely unstable political situation in Russia. According to Mr.Berzins the document on Russian occupation to be submitted to the UN is being currently prepared by the Commission for Foreign Affairs. Diena, Rigas Balss, SM Segodnya

The Latvian Association of Physicians has addressed the President, the Saema, and the Cabinet of Ministers to stop negotiations on the possible operation of the Skrunde radar station. The Association points out the irreparable damages caused by the station to the health of the local population.

The Latvian Association of Physicians has addressed the President, the Saema, and the Cabinet of Ministers to stop negotiations on the possible operation of the Skrunde radar station. The Association points out the irreparable damages caused by the station to the health of the local population. Neatkariga

According to the LNNK spokeman Mr.Krasins LNNK may come up with its suggestions on the second reading of the Draft Citizenship Law by the governing coalition despite the fact the joint decision by LNNK and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" to work out their own draft. This decision was influenced by the results of the Latvian MP delegation's visit to the US and by the recommendation given by American experts. "Latvijas Cels" spokesman Mr.Berzins stresses that his fraction welcomes this decision and underlines the fact that a prompt adoption of the Citizenship Law is vital due to political instability in Russia. He believes that both fractions could agree on naturalization principles and other basic issues.

According to the LNNK spokeman Mr.Krasins LNNK may come up with its suggestions on the second reading of the Draft Citizenship Law by the governing coalition despite the fact the joint decision by LNNK and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" to work out their own draft. This decision was influenced by the results of the Latvian MP delegation's visit to the US and by the recommendation given by American experts. "Latvijas Cels" spokesman Mr.Berzins stresses that his fraction welcomes this decision and underlines the fact that a prompt adoption of the Citizenship Law is vital due to political instability in Russia. He believes that both fractions could agree on naturalization principles and other basic issues. Diena

The nomination of the State Minister for Human Rights by the Saema is scheduled for Thursday. The post will be taken by Mr.Olafs Bruveris, a Christian Democrat. For the last 17 years Mr.Bruveris has been living in the West after he had been exiled from the USSR for his human rights-associated activities. In his interview for DIENA stresses that his primary task will be the protection of human rights of all residents of the country regardless of their nationality. He also complains about the insufficiency of existing laws regarding citizenship and residence. He also expresses the hope that agreement will be achieved by all fractions on the Draft Citizenship Law emphasizing that the nationalists have already agreed to seriously modify their draft.

The nomination of the State Minister for Human Rights by the Saema is scheduled for Thursday. The post will be taken by Mr.Olafs Bruveris, a Christian Democrat. For the last 17 years Mr.Bruveris has been living in the West after he had been exiled from the USSR for his human rights-associated activities. In his interview for DIENA stresses that his primary task will be the protection of human rights of all residents of the country regardless of their nationality. He also complains about the insufficiency of existing laws regarding citizenship and residence. He also expresses the hope that agreement will be achieved by all fractions on the Draft Citizenship Law emphasizing that the nationalists have already agreed to seriously modify their draft. Diena

Mr.Olyeg Yeremenko-Samogorodsky,t he Procurator of the Ziemele District of Riga informed the SM SEVODNYA journalist that criminal proceedings had been started against Zemele and Vidzeme Citizenship and Immigration Department offices. He also pointed out that the Department officials did not react not only to district court decrees but also to official notices by the district Procurators and to decrees by the Supreme Court. He also mentioned the Civil Code article on the limitation of personal rights providing for reimbursement for losses and expenses caused by infringement of such rights. He stressed that improper registration (like offering a round stamp instead of a square one) results in the limitation of personal rights and thus resulting losses are subject to reimbursement by a guilty party. He also mentions that some of the complaints submitted to his office had been also submitted to the CSCE.

Mr.Olyeg Yeremenko-Samogorodsky,t he Procurator of the Ziemele District of Riga informed the SM SEVODNYA journalist that criminal proceedings had been started against Zemele and Vidzeme Citizenship and Immigration Department offices. He also pointed out that the Department officials did not react not only to district court decrees but also to official notices by the district Procurators and to decrees by the Supreme Court. He also mentioned the Civil Code article on the limitation of personal rights providing for reimbursement for losses and expenses caused by infringement of such rights. He stressed that improper registration (like offering a round stamp instead of a square one) results in the limitation of personal rights and thus resulting losses are subject to reimbursement by a guilty party. He also mentions that some of the complaints submitted to his office had been also submitted to the CSCE. SM Segodnya