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

A representative of the Russian Embassy made a statement in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the presence of Russia's war ships in Latvia's economic zone. Latvia's protests are baseless, said the Russian diplomat stressing that all countries have a right of free navigation in national economic zones according to international legal norms. Mr. Aivars Vovers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted that international legal norms do not allow Latvia to put any weighty reprimands toward Russia. Still, Latvia is concerned about Russia not informing it of the presence of its war ships close to Latvian territorial waters, says Mr. Vovers.

A representative of the Russian Embassy made a statement in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the presence of Russia's war ships in Latvia's economic zone. Latvia's protests are baseless, said the Russian diplomat stressing that all countries have a right of free navigation in national economic zones according to international legal norms. Mr. Aivars Vovers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted that international legal norms do not allow Latvia to put any weighty reprimands toward Russia. Still, Latvia is concerned about Russia not informing it of the presence of its war ships close to Latvian territorial waters, says Mr. Vovers. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Law on the State Secret. The law classifies as secret all economic, political, military, technological, scientific and other information included in a list adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to the Law, information on natural and other disasters and their consequences, information on environmental situation, on the state of medical care, science, education, demographic data and crime statistics, information on human rights violations, on corruption, on living standards and economic situation, including the implementation of the State budget, cannot be a State secret. Information on the salaries of Government officials and on privileges enjoyed by them cannot be given the State secret status as well. Mr. Janis Adamsons criticized the provision of the Law restricting the access to the State secrets of persons whose "personal and professional qualities" allow to doubt their capability to follow confidentiality regulations. The Law does not define the notion of "personal and professional qualities," says Mr. Adamsons. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima managed to elect only three Constitutional Court Judges (Aivars Endzins, Ilma Cepane, and Romans Apsitis). The three candidates were nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers. Mr. Endzins said he was disappointed by the Saeima not having supported the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. He was also upset about factions voting with the only goal of obtaining seats in the Court. The Constitutional court cannot perform its duties unless the Saeima elects at least two more judges. Diena

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins says Latvia has never suggested Lithuania to conclude a trilateral agreement with

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins says Latvia has never suggested Lithuania to conclude a trilateral agreement with AMOCO/OPAB. The proposal was to "share" oil resources. Lithuania insists on establishing a special zone in the area. Next week Saeima will vote on the final reading of the law on the ratification of Latvia's agreement with the oil companies. Diena

The Soros Foundation is distributing cards containing information on the rights of an individual detained by the police. A spokesman for the National Human Rights Office told

The Soros Foundation is distributing cards containing information on the rights of an individual detained by the police. A spokesman for the National Human Rights Office told "DIENA" the Office had received several complaints from individuals detained by the police.

Former Latvian diplomat Aivars Markots in an interview for

Former Latvian diplomat Aivars Markots in an interview for "SM SEVODNYA" explains his criticism of Latvia's foreign policies. According to Mr. Markots, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not developed a proper concept for the operation of Latvian embassies. Former KGB collaborators have been appointed ambassadors to NATO countries. Markots recalls that the Estonian President refused to accept credentials from a diplomat later appointed Ambassador of Latvia to Spain. Mr. Markots criticizes Mr. Birkavs and his ministry for ignoring Latvias policy in the East. He believes Birkavs should have participated in a discussion over the Declaration on Occupation before the document was adopted. A pragmatic approach instead of political rhetoric should dominate relations between Latvia and Russia. Mr. Markots believes Mr. Birkavs has changed his approach toward the concept of the country's foreign policy, the change resulting in Latvia facing problems in its relations with Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia. SM Segodnya