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

The Head of the Russian delegation to the talks on troop withdrawal Mr.Zotov said that Russia would suspend the withdrawal and cancel its decision to accomplish it before August 31 if Latvia refused to sign the agreement on pensioned officers. According to DIENA the Latvian delegation tried to modify the terms of the agreement on pensioned officers. Only slight changes can be expected, says the newspaper.

The Head of the Russian delegation to the talks on troop withdrawal Mr.Zotov said that Russia would suspend the withdrawal and cancel its decision to accomplish it before August 31 if Latvia refused to sign the agreement on pensioned officers. According to DIENA the Latvian delegation tried to modify the terms of the agreement on pensioned officers. Only slight changes can be expected, says the newspaper. Diena, Labrit

Representatives of the Council of Europe had a meeting with Prime-Minister Birkavs, Minister of Justice Levits, and Secretary of State Riekstins. The agenda of the meeting included the discussion of the joining of the Security Pact by Latvia. According to Mr.Riekstins Latvia is ready to declare its borders to obtain their official recognition. The issue of the state borders includes the problem of Abrene region. Mr.Birkavs stressed that Latvia adhered to its 1920 peace treaty with Russia. Mr.Riekstins noted that there is hope that Russia would join the plan. Latvia proposed that the issue of ethnic minorities should be substituted by the issue of aliens which would include such items as integration, the teaching of the state language , etc.

Representatives of the Council of Europe had a meeting with Prime-Minister Birkavs, Minister of Justice Levits, and Secretary of State Riekstins. The agenda of the meeting included the discussion of the joining of the Security Pact by Latvia. According to Mr.Riekstins Latvia is ready to declare its borders to obtain their official recognition. The issue of the state borders includes the problem of Abrene region. Mr.Birkavs stressed that Latvia adhered to its 1920 peace treaty with Russia. Mr.Riekstins noted that there is hope that Russia would join the plan. Latvia proposed that the issue of ethnic minorities should be substituted by the issue of aliens which would include such items as integration, the teaching of the state language , etc. Diena

A letter by the US Secretary of State expressed support of the initialled agreements with Russia. The US Ambassador to Latvia Mr.Silins confirmed the willingness of the US to allot USD 2 mln. for the dismantling of the Skrunda radar.

A letter by the US Secretary of State expressed support of the initialled agreements with Russia. The US Ambassador to Latvia Mr.Silins confirmed the willingness of the US to allot USD 2 mln. for the dismantling of the Skrunda radar. Diena

Aivars Ozolins, the DIENA journalist, analyzes the latest stage of the negotiations between Russia and Latvia. He connects a sudden revocation of the decree on military bases by Boris Yeltsin and his eagerness to sign the agreements to the pressure by the United States and European Community.

Aivars Ozolins, the DIENA journalist, analyzes the latest stage of the negotiations between Russia and Latvia. He connects a sudden revocation of the decree on military bases by Boris Yeltsin and his eagerness to sign the agreements to the pressure by the United States and European Community. Diena