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

US Ambassador to Latvia Larry Napper during his yesterday's meeting with President Ulmanis said that the three Baltic states will receive a draft US-Baltic Charter soon. After the Charter is considered by the Baltic states, their Presidents will be invited by President Clinton to sign the document. The Charter will contain the historic evaluation of relation between the USA and the Baltic states and will stress the importance of their independence for US national interests.

US Ambassador to Latvia Larry Napper during his yesterday's meeting with President Ulmanis said that the three Baltic states will receive a draft US-Baltic Charter soon. After the Charter is considered by the Baltic states, their Presidents will be invited by President Clinton to sign the document. The Charter will contain the historic evaluation of relation between the USA and the Baltic states and will stress the importance of their independence for US national interests. Diena

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane confirmed that the number of applications for naturalization has

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane confirmed that the number of applications for naturalization has DECREASED considerably after President Ulmanis' suggestion to reduce the naturalization fee. Some applicants having already paid the fee even require information on the possibility of reimbursement. Diena

Head of the

Head of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" and the LNNK faction in the Riga City Council Aigars Kimenis told the press that the Council would have to decide on the dismantling of the Monument to the Liberators of Latvia. Faction member Lasmanis said that restoring "a pile of stones while thousands are almost starving would be a violation of human rights." Neatkariga

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov in an interview for

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov in an interview for "SM" said that the majority of the Saeima deputies support developing normal neighborly relations with Russia. The Ambassador confirmed that Russia would connect the observance of the rights of Russian speakers with other aspects of its relations with Latvia. He referred to OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's suggestions on canceling "naturalization windows" and simplifying the naturalization process. Mr. Udaltsov stressed that the Russian Parliament would not ratify any agreement with Latvia unless the situation of Russian-speakers is changed. He criticized Latvia for "weakening the motivation for obtaining citizenship" by introducing new alien passports. The Ambassador said that Russia will make a final decision on the alien passports only after thorough consultations with the Latvian side. Mr. Udaltsov emphasized the role of "certain political forces" in creating the atmosphere leading to an act of terrorism against the Monument to the Liberators of Riga. SM