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

The US Administration informed NATO about its plans to suggest three candidates for the bloc membership. Those are Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic. According to US Administration Press-Secretary Mackary, President Clinton believes that a limited number of countries should be covered by the first stage of NATO enlargement.

The US Administration informed NATO about its plans to suggest three candidates for the bloc membership. Those are Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic. According to US Administration Press-Secretary Mackary, President Clinton believes that a limited number of countries should be covered by the first stage of NATO enlargement. Neatkariga Director of the Bureau for Protection of the Satversme Lainis Kamaldins told "PANORAMA LATVII" that planting of a bomb at the Monument to the Liberators of Riga was an individual terrorist act. Two police identified two bodies discovered at the explosion site. Mr. Kamaldins admitted that both men killed by the explosion were former "Aizsargi" members. He said that the Latvian security service obtained information on a person (persons) who managed to escape from the scene of the crime. "NEATKARIGA" contacted of the two wings of the "Aizsargi" organization. Its head admitted that the two men who perished during the explosion were former members of the organization adding that they were "expelled for treason". PL, Neatkariga

Latvia is placed 92-nd in the UN annual report on human development going 37 points down as compared with the 1996 report. Mr. John Hendra of the UNDP explained Latvia's low rating by the use of outdated information for the report.

Latvia is placed 92-nd in the UN annual report on human development going 37 points down as compared with the 1996 report. Mr. John Hendra of the UNDP explained Latvia's low rating by the use of outdated information for the report. Neatkariga

Several analysts and

Several analysts and Saeima members believe that Prime-Minister Skele will resign irrespectively of the results of the investigation by the Prosecutor General's Office. The Prosecutor General's Office is investigating alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by Cabinet members. Skele's resignation may strengthen the position held by "Saimnieks" in the Cabinet. SM

President Ulmanis in an interview for "

President Ulmanis in an interview for "SM" said that he would focus his attention on the drafting of the Law on Education and will consider possible amendments to the Law on Naturalization. Mr. Ulmanis believes that the naturalization fee should be decreased and suggests granting Latvian citizenship to all children born in Latvia. In his interview the President singled out legal, political and psychological aspects of naturalization. He agreed that some non-citizens might feel offended by having to undergo naturalization procedures while they were promised citizenship during Latvia's strife for independence. Still, he believes that they should not be indifferent to becoming a part of the country' society. Mr. Ulmanis also touched upon Latvia's relations with Russia. He hopes to meet President Yeltsin or Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin during his visit to Russia.