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

President Ulmanis addressed Saeima Speaker Cepanis with a letter requiring reconsideration of the Conscription Law. Head of the

President Ulmanis addressed Saeima Speaker Cepanis with a letter requiring reconsideration of the Conscription Law. Head of the Saeima Defense Committee Karlis Druva told "DIENA" that the law will be reviewed not earlier than January 1997. The Saeima has not accomplished discussions over several important draft laws and has not agreed on next year's budget. Mr. Ulmanis insists on the Saeima reviewing the articles of the Law relieving students from mandatory military service if they have accomplished a course of military training. The President is also concerned about the article reducing the term of service to twelve months. Mr. Ulmanis had no objections to the Law immediately after its adoption. Still, he changed his opinion after a meeting with Head of the Saeima Defense Committee Druva and parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Ligotnis. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele says he will accept the resignation of Mr. Ernests Jurkans ("Saimnieks"), currently the State Minister for Self-Government.

Prime-Minister Skele says he will accept the resignation of Mr. Ernests Jurkans ("Saimnieks"), currently the State Minister for Self-Government. "Saimnieks" Chairman Cevers also says that he believes the resignation will be accepted. Skele told the press that the party membership of Jurkans' successor did not matter to him, since he was mostly concerned about ministers' professional skills. "Saimnieks" will not come up with its own candidates for the office. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvia's talks with Russia on border delimitation will be resumed in late November or early December. Chairman of the

Latvia's talks with Russia on border delimitation will be resumed in late November or early December. Chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Berzins believes Latvia should work out its policy on the issue. The Saeima will discuss possible changes in the border negotiation policy immediately after adopting next year's budget. Mr. Berzins says that Latvia should make a choice between "finding possible variants" or "waiting". He objects to "knocking on the doors of international organizations" suggested by some deputies. According to Berzins, neither Prime-Minister Skele nor the rest of the Latvian politicians are eager to "give Abrene away". Still, the current political situation requires "abandoning hopes" connected with the former Latvian territory. Neatkariga

Mr. Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Yastrzhembsky in an interview for

Mr. Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Yastrzhembsky in an interview for "SM" calls Latvia's claims for compensation to former inhabitants of Abrene "an interference in Russia's internal affairs". He says that Russia could turn to "economic methods" if it realized that the "internationally recognized human rights" of Russian-speakers are violated in Latvia. SM

CID Director's Advisor Janis Jaudzems told

CID Director's Advisor Janis Jaudzems told "SM" about the latest developments in the Department. Mr. Jaudzems says that although several laws provide a certain freedom of interpretation, he tries to interpret a law in a way that would be more advantageous for an applicant. According to Mr. Jaudzems, 565 individuals out of 816 demobilized servicemen on the list of "disputable cases" have received residence permits or legalized their stay in Latvia in some other way. He does not believe that 34 former servicemen, who have no basis for receiving any status in Latvia, will be deported. The final decision should be made by the corresponding ministries of both countries and by the joint Latvian-Russian Committee, says Jaudzems. The CID provides the OSCE Mission to Latvia with updates on the situation every second week. Mr. Jaudzems says the council formed by CID Director Zitars is a useful instrument for resolving complicated cases. SM