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

Press Report

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the final reading of the Conscription Law. Ministry of Defense officials and the Saeima Defense Committee members are reported to be dissatisfied with the Law. The President says that the Law meets Latvia's "needs and interests". Minister of Defense Krastins told the press he would analyze the Law and inform President Ulmanis of his point of view. Krastins disagrees with several points introduced into the Law by Aivars Endzins's ("Latvijas Cels") initiative. The Minister of Defense does not agree to allowing students to accomplish a military training course during their studies. Holders of a Bachelor's degree are to be drafted if they chose not to study further. The newly adopted Conscription Law covers the group between 18 and 27 years of age. The upper age limit is not to be applied to individuals who turn 25 before the Law comes into force. Although the President has seven days to approve a law adopted by the Saeima, Mr. Ulmanis says his official decision will be made public already today, since he is leaving for Great Britain on Monday.Diena, Neatkariga

President Ulmanis says that Latvia's policy at its border delimitation talks with Russia should be formed by the country's State institutions and the

President Ulmanis says that Latvia's policy at its border delimitation talks with Russia should be formed by the country's State institutions and the Saeima. When asked by the press to comment on the Abrene issue, Mr. Ulmanis chose not to answer directly. He said that "after four years in office" he could not afford "being light-minded and say right away, whether we renounce or do not renounce" our sovereignty over Abrene. Neatkariga

State Minister for Self-Governments Ernests Jurkans believes he should follow a decision made by his party (

State Minister for Self-Governments Ernests Jurkans believes he should follow a decision made by his party ("Saimnieks") and resign. The Prime-Minister refused to accept Jurkans' resignation until all projects managed by the State Minister are accomplished. An Advisor to the Prime-Minister says Mr. Skele will not agree to Mr. Jurkans' resignation if addressed by the State Minister on the issue again. Diena