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

Director of the Second Political Department of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Edgars Skuja told

Director of the Second Political Department of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Edgars Skuja told "DIENA" that Latvia observed its obligations toward Russia as determined by the agreement between the two countries. Mr. Skuja said that the Latvian side would restore the Monument to the Liberators of Riga damaged by the recent terrorist attack. The repair costs are Ls 10,500 while Ls 26,000 are allotted by the Riga City Hall to maintain the Monument this year. Mr. Edgars Skuja also said that Latvia did not have complete information on the state of memorials to Latvians repressed by Stalin's regime erected in Russia.Diena

The International Helsinki Federation for Protection of Human Rights in its recent report criticized former Soviet bloc countries, including the Baltic states, for violating human rights. The report singles out an underdeveloped court system and corruption among problems typical for these countries. The document also points at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in the three Baltic states.

The International Helsinki Federation for Protection of Human Rights in its recent report criticized former Soviet bloc countries, including the Baltic states, for violating human rights. The report singles out an underdeveloped court system and corruption among problems typical for these countries. The document also points at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in the three Baltic states. Neatkariga

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told "SM" that the Ministry was concerned about Russia's refusal to recognize new alien passports. He believes that Russia has to recognize the passports. Otherwise, it will be restricting non-citizens' freedom of travel. The Minister of Foreign Affairs hopes that the upcoming consular talks will contribute to resolving the problem.

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the UN 1951 Convention on Refugees. All expenses related to refugees' stay in Latvia will be covered by the UN. The Saeima adopted a provision suggested by "Tevzemei un Brivibai". The provision provides for applying the Convention only to refugees entering Latvia from European countries. Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts said that he would suggest canceling the provision this autumn after the parliamentary vacations. B&B

The Prosecutor General's Office accomplished the investigation of alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by State Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis and Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins. The Office discovered that the Ministers had violated the Law but did not commit criminal offenses. Prime-Minister Skele said that he would discuss the issue with Mr. Vinkelis. As for Mr. Celmins, the Prime-Minister believes that he should not resign and says that the Minister's situation is similar to that of Minister of economics Krasts.

The Prosecutor General's Office accomplished the investigation of alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by State Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis and Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins. The Office discovered that the Ministers had violated the Law but did not commit criminal offenses. Prime-Minister Skele said that he would discuss the issue with Mr. Vinkelis. As for Mr. Celmins, the Prime-Minister believes that he should not resign and says that the Minister's situation is similar to that of Minister of economics Krasts. B&B The Saeima completed its spring session yesterday. The autumn session will start on September 2. Saeima premises will be redesigned during the vacations. Diena