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 extraordinary plenary session of the Saeima adopted the first reading of the 1997 budget with 65 deputies voting for the draft budget, 16 voting against the budget, while one deputy abstained. "SM" forecasts a more heated argument during the discussion of the second reading.

The extraordinary plenary session of the Saeima adopted the first reading of the 1997 budget with 65 deputies voting for the draft budget, 16 voting against the budget, while one deputy abstained. "SM" forecasts a more heated argument during the discussion of the second reading. Diena, SM

"Latvijas Cels" believes the "arms scandal" to be a provocation directed against Mr. Maris Gailis. Mr. Pantelejevs connects the scandal to Mr. Gailis' possible appointment as the administrator of the Riga Port. Last year the Ministry of Defence purchased a 3.9 million dollar shipment of arms from a Slovak company. Part of the arms purchased turned out to be in an "unsatisfactory condition". Mr. Gailis was an acting Minister of Defence at the time the shipment was contracted. "LC" demands that the investigation is brought under control of the Saeima Defence Committee. Currently the affair is investigated by the Security Police.

"Latvijas Cels" believes the "arms scandal" to be a provocation directed against Mr. Maris Gailis. Mr. Pantelejevs connects the scandal to Mr. Gailis' possible appointment as the administrator of the Riga Port. Last year the Ministry of Defence purchased a 3.9 million dollar shipment of arms from a Slovak company. Part of the arms purchased turned out to be in an "unsatisfactory condition". Mr. Gailis was an acting Minister of Defence at the time the shipment was contracted. "LC" demands that the investigation is brought under control of the Saeima Defence Committee. Currently the affair is investigated by the Security Police. Diena

Deputy-Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Second European Department Aleksandr Udaltsov is the most probable candidate for the post of an Ambassador to Latvia. Mr. Udaltsov has participated in Russia's talks with Estonia and Latvia as an expert. He is known as a follower of a tough policy toward the Baltic states. Udaltsov's candidature has been approved by the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. His official appointment may be announced in mid-November.

Deputy-Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Second European Department Aleksandr Udaltsov is the most probable candidate for the post of an Ambassador to Latvia. Mr. Udaltsov has participated in Russia's talks with Estonia and Latvia as an expert. He is known as a follower of a tough policy toward the Baltic states. Udaltsov's candidature has been approved by the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. His official appointment may be announced in mid-November. Diena, SM

Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov's canceled his meeting with ambassadors of the baltic states scheduled for October 6. Russia warned the ambassadors of several countries including Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia against recognizing the independence of Chechnia. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics says Latvia is not considering recognizing the independence of Chechnia and is not planning any talks with the leaders of Chechen separatists. During last two months members of the Saeima took several steps demonstrating their support of Chechnia. Those included a letter addressed to President Yeltsin demanding immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnia.

Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov's canceled his meeting with ambassadors of the baltic states scheduled for October 6. Russia warned the ambassadors of several countries including Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia against recognizing the independence of Chechnia. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics says Latvia is not considering recognizing the independence of Chechnia and is not planning any talks with the leaders of Chechen separatists. During last two months members of the Saeima took several steps demonstrating their support of Chechnia. Those included a letter addressed to President Yeltsin demanding immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnia. Diena