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

Last week leaders of the largest

Last week leaders of the largest Saeima factions ("Latvijas Cels", "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Saimnieks") held an unofficial meeting to discuss the Prime-Minister's policy and possible steps to be taken by the parties in case a new cabinet is formed. According to sources referred to by "DIENA", "LC" faction Chairman Pantelejevs and "TB" faction Chairman Straume were among the participants of the meetings. Faction representatives believe talks with Prime-Minister Skele could help compelling the Prime-Minister to consider the opinion of the factions. They criticize the Prime-Minister for an unsystematic approach to reforms. An anonymous source says deputies are concerned about many issues being resolved not by the factions but solely by the Prime-Minister's advisors. A "DIENA" analyst says the factions could join their forces not only for discussions with the Prime-Minister but also for the forming of a new cabinet. Today the Saeima declined a draft decree on a vote of no-confidence against the Cabinet of Ministers submitted by the Socialists, three "Latvijai" deputies, one "Unity" and one "People's Harmony" deputies. Cevers, Pantelejevs and Straume say they are not considering a possible model of a new Cabinet but will recommend the Prime-Minister to abstain from terminating the posts in the Cabinet. Some politicians told "DIENA" rumors of changes in the Government are not unfounded. They allow the possibility of Skele's resignation. Mr. Skele when asked to comment on the suggested moratorium on any changes in the Cabinet said "the parties should better care about the quality of the Government". "Saimnieks" leader Cevers confirms the party could leave the Government should its proposals be ignored when adopting the budget. Mr. Cevers does not believe it to be an extraordinary step in a democratic state. Diena

Yesterday Russian nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Yesterday Russian nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Pyotr Veliky" ("Peter the Great") and two other navy vessels entered Latvia's economic zone not far from Liepaja without notifying the Latvian authorities. Latvia's coast guard boats were warned not to approach the Russian war ships. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded explanations from Russian Ambassador Rannih who said the incident could be a result of a technical problem. The Ambassador promised to contact corresponding Russian authorities for an explanation. Later the "Associated Press" agency informed of a Swedish aircraft having crashed only several hundred meters away from the Russian aircraft carrier. According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the aircraft was on a surveillance flight over the Russian ship. The accident, according to the press, could lead to a nuclear disaster if the aircraft hit the Russian aircraft carrier. Witnesses say the Swedish aircraft crashed into the sea due to a mistake made by its pilot. The pilot's body has not been discovered. President Ulmanis said yesterday that the presence of Russia's war ship showed its policy "was not as friendly and peace-loving, as often stated". The incident, according to Mr. Ulmanis, compels Latvia to be more decisive in seeking to become "a subject of a collective security." Diena

Latvia's Second World War veterans addressed former anti-Nazi coalition Governments with an open letter saying Latvian authorities ignore the Second World War veterans. Unlike former Nazi army soldiers they are not granted social benefits, says the letter.

Latvia's Second World War veterans addressed former anti-Nazi coalition Governments with an open letter saying Latvian authorities ignore the Second World War veterans. Unlike former Nazi army soldiers they are not granted social benefits, says the letter. SM

Mrs. Junkevica (the Union of Christian Democrats) criticizes the nominees for the posts of the Constitutional Court judges for the lack of professional experience. She is concerned about their active participation in the work of old Soviet legal and ideological institutions and does not believe the Court to be fully independent of political parties.

Mrs. Junkevica (the Union of Christian Democrats) criticizes the nominees for the posts of the Constitutional Court judges for the lack of professional experience. She is concerned about their active participation in the work of old Soviet legal and ideological institutions and does not believe the Court to be fully independent of political parties. Diena

"SM"

correspondent in Berlin points at the recent developments in Germany's policy toward Latvia's admission to NATO. Leading German politicians, although stressing the importance of security for Baltic states, do not mention these states among the nations to enter NATO during the first phase of its enlargement. State Minister Helmut Schefer said the role of the OSCE and the European Union in maintaining stability and security in the region should be increased. correspondent in Berlin points at the recent developments in Germany's policy toward Latvia's admission to NATO. Leading German politicians, although stressing the importance of security for Baltic states, do not mention these states among the nations to enter NATO during the first phase of its enlargement. State Minister Helmut Schefer said the role of the OSCE and the European Union in maintaining stability and security in the region should be increased. SMSM