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

During his meeting with Ambassador Rannikh President Ulmanis confirmed his readiness to meet in Moscow with President Yeltsin. The participants of the Latvian delegation to Moscow have not been named yet. It also has not been decided whether one person sign all four documents. During the meeting between the Ambassador and the President on March 28 both sides agreed that there were certain political forces both in Latvia and in Russia exercising pressure on expert groups. According to President Ulmanis' office both sides are prepared for the signing of the agreements. The date of the visit is expected to be announced on April 29. According to RADIO RIGAI Minister of Justice Levits failed to agree on the date of the visit during the meetings he had in Moscow.

During his meeting with Ambassador Rannikh President Ulmanis confirmed his readiness to meet in Moscow with President Yeltsin. The participants of the Latvian delegation to Moscow have not been named yet. It also has not been decided whether one person sign all four documents. During the meeting between the Ambassador and the President on March 28 both sides agreed that there were certain political forces both in Latvia and in Russia exercising pressure on expert groups. According to President Ulmanis' office both sides are prepared for the signing of the agreements. The date of the visit is expected to be announced on April 29. According to RADIO RIGAI Minister of Justice Levits failed to agree on the date of the visit during the meetings he had in Moscow. Diena, Labrit

On April 28 the Swedish Prime-Minister Carl Bildt informed Prime-Minister Birkavs that Sweden had allotted one million dollars for the dismantling of the Skrunda radar and another million for the repatriation of pensioned officers. During a press-conference Mr.Birkavs noted that other Western countries also promised to render their financial assistance.

On April 28 the Swedish Prime-Minister Carl Bildt informed Prime-Minister Birkavs that Sweden had allotted one million dollars for the dismantling of the Skrunda radar and another million for the repatriation of pensioned officers. During a press-conference Mr.Birkavs noted that other Western countries also promised to render their financial assistance. Diena, Labrit

A USAID representative informed the press about the construction projects financed by the USA. The aim of the project is to provide housing for Russian officers retired from the units distributed in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe. In addition special certificates will be issued to cover the costs of apartments and houses purchased by the officers. The total amount allotted to the project will exceed 160 million dollars.

A USAID representative informed the press about the construction projects financed by the USA. The aim of the project is to provide housing for Russian officers retired from the units distributed in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe. In addition special certificates will be issued to cover the costs of apartments and houses purchased by the officers. The total amount allotted to the project will exceed 160 million dollars. Neatkariga, Diena

On April 28 Saeima suspended the mandates of the five deputies who are suspected in collaborating with the KGB. A prompt adoption of the law on the use of the KGB documents was suggested. The deputies will not take part in the parliament proceedings until the decision by the court based upon the above-mentioned law is made. The suspension of the five mandates will destroy the balance in Saeima since the governing coalition does not have the majority anymore.

On April 28 Saeima suspended the mandates of the five deputies who are suspected in collaborating with the KGB. A prompt adoption of the law on the use of the KGB documents was suggested. The deputies will not take part in the parliament proceedings until the decision by the court based upon the above-mentioned law is made. The suspension of the five mandates will destroy the balance in Saeima since the governing coalition does not have the majority anymore. Diena

Today a three-day conference on ethnic relations starts in Latvia. The objective of the event is to promote a dialogue between ethnic groups and to provide an opportunity to representatives of different parties and organizations to express their attitude to the current ethnic situation and suggest their own visions of its possible development.

Today a three-day conference on ethnic relations starts in Latvia. The objective of the event is to promote a dialogue between ethnic groups and to provide an opportunity to representatives of different parties and organizations to express their attitude to the current ethnic situation and suggest their own visions of its possible development. SM Segodnja