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

Press Review

President Ulmanis in a speech delivered at the British Royal Institute of International Relations said that Latvia had become a truly European country. Touching upon the issue of nationalism, Mr. Ulmanis gave his own interpretation of the concept, saying that it meant "being open and tolerant toward everything that was new and unfamiliar while preserving national pride". The President also emphasized the economic role of Latvia as a transit state. Latvia was aware of "the search for identity" currently taking place in Russia, although it quite often "emanated ominous signals". The main points of the President's speech focused on Latvia being already prepared for joining NATO and the EU. He also laid special emphasis on the importance of the country's membership in the two international organizations for European stability. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs after his meeting with British Minister of Defense Portillo told the press that "Great Britain displayed keen interest in Baltic security issues."

President Ulmanis in a speech delivered at the British Royal Institute of International Relations said that Latvia had become a truly European country. Touching upon the issue of nationalism, Mr. Ulmanis gave his own interpretation of the concept, saying that it meant "being open and tolerant toward everything that was new and unfamiliar while preserving national pride". The President also emphasized the economic role of Latvia as a transit state. Latvia was aware of "the search for identity" currently taking place in Russia, although it quite often "emanated ominous signals". The main points of the President's speech focused on Latvia being already prepared for joining NATO and the EU. He also laid special emphasis on the importance of the country's membership in the two international organizations for European stability. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs after his meeting with British Minister of Defense Portillo told the press that "Great Britain displayed keen interest in Baltic security issues." SM, Neatkariga

"Tevzemei un Brivibai"

leaders informed the press yesterday about the party's attitude to possible renouncation of claims connected with the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty. They said that the step would legalize "occupation and annexation of Latvia," the Treaty being "the only documented recognition of Latvia's territory by Russia". Several leaders informed the press yesterday about the party's attitude to possible renouncation of claims connected with the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty. They said that the step would legalize "occupation and annexation of Latvia," the Treaty being "the only documented recognition of Latvia's territory by Russia". Several "TB""TB" members including Juris Sinka believe the issue should be subject to a referendum. members including Juris Sinka believe the issue should be subject to a referendum. "TB""TB" expects support from expects support from LNNKLNNK, the Farmers' Union and the Union of Christian Democrats. Meanwhile, Head of the Russian Delegation to the Border Delimitation Talks Viktor Shikalov said in an interview that the Russian side would not allow any further compromise and would not agree to include the 1920 Peace Treaty in its border agreement with Latvia. , the Farmers' Union and the Union of Christian Democrats. Meanwhile, Head of the Russian Delegation to the Border Delimitation Talks Viktor Shikalov said in an interview that the Russian side would not allow any further compromise and would not agree to include the 1920 Peace Treaty in its border agreement with Latvia. Diena, NeatkarigaDiena, Neatkariga Chairman of the State Chairman of the State DumaDuma Committee for Compatriots Abroad Georgy Tikhonov in an interview for Committee for Compatriots Abroad Georgy Tikhonov in an interview for "SM""SM" criticized Latvian authorities for "shamelessly" humiliating ethnic Russians while profiting from the transit of Russian cargo through the country's territory. Still, Tikhonov does not support the idea of using economic sanctions against Latvia and Estonia. Russia has given Latvia its independence twice during its history, says Tikhonov. Therefore, Latvia should not come up with any territorial claims towards Russia. Tikhonov says he would not like to visit a country that "humiliates his compatriots" and violates democratic principles by "keeping our comrade Rubiks in prison." criticized Latvian authorities for "shamelessly" humiliating ethnic Russians while profiting from the transit of Russian cargo through the country's territory. Still, Tikhonov does not support the idea of using economic sanctions against Latvia and Estonia. Russia has given Latvia its independence twice during its history, says Tikhonov. Therefore, Latvia should not come up with any territorial claims towards Russia. Tikhonov says he would not like to visit a country that "humiliates his compatriots" and violates democratic principles by "keeping our comrade Rubiks in prison." SMSM