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

Certain success has been achieved during the meeting of Russian and Latvian experts on the issues of troops' withdrawal. Several points of the draft agreement on social security for retired officers has been agreed upon. The next meeting of the experts is scheduled for next week in Moscow. The Head of the Russian delegation to the talks Mr.Zotov has also approved of the results achieved and pointed out the issue of the Skrunda radar station rent to be one of the most complicated. He said that in case Russia agrees to increase the rent it would have to slow down the building of apartments for the withdrawn officers thus extending the term of the troops' withdrawal.

Certain success has been achieved during the meeting of Russian and Latvian experts on the issues of troops' withdrawal. Several points of the draft agreement on social security for retired officers has been agreed upon. The next meeting of the experts is scheduled for next week in Moscow. The Head of the Russian delegation to the talks Mr.Zotov has also approved of the results achieved and pointed out the issue of the Skrunda radar station rent to be one of the most complicated. He said that in case Russia agrees to increase the rent it would have to slow down the building of apartments for the withdrawn officers thus extending the term of the troops' withdrawal. Diena, Labrit

Aivars Ozolins, "DIENA" columnist points at the increasing demands of Russia towards Latvia and the refusal of the Russian party to officially acknowledge the fact of occupation. He stresses that the concern of the Russian politicians about Russians abroad is only a pretext for exercising additional pressure on the neighboring countries and attempting to expand its sphere of influence. He also points out the political instability in Russia and its attempts to penetrate into international political processes. He believes that Russian military facilities like Skrunda along with the Russian-speaking minority issue could be used to provoke an armed intervention.

Aivars Ozolins, "DIENA" columnist points at the increasing demands of Russia towards Latvia and the refusal of the Russian party to officially acknowledge the fact of occupation. He stresses that the concern of the Russian politicians about Russians abroad is only a pretext for exercising additional pressure on the neighboring countries and attempting to expand its sphere of influence. He also points out the political instability in Russia and its attempts to penetrate into international political processes. He believes that Russian military facilities like Skrunda along with the Russian-speaking minority issue could be used to provoke an armed intervention. Diena

"NEATKARIGA CINA" columnist Viktors Daugmalis gives his comments on the recent Skrunde incident. He believes that the explosion could be organized by Russian secret service and connects it to the news of Russian soldiers having been beaten up by nationalists that was broadcasted by "MAYAK" radio-station. All these provocations could be arranged by right-wing political forces in Russia. He also suggests that Latvia should not rely too much on Western politicians and focus more on international public opinion.

"NEATKARIGA CINA" columnist Viktors Daugmalis gives his comments on the recent Skrunde incident. He believes that the explosion could be organized by Russian secret service and connects it to the news of Russian soldiers having been beaten up by nationalists that was broadcasted by "MAYAK" radio-station. All these provocations could be arranged by right-wing political forces in Russia. He also suggests that Latvia should not rely too much on Western politicians and focus more on international public opinion. Neatkariga, Cina

The Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Churkin stated that Russia did not make any connection between the rights of Russian-speaking population of Baltic states and the withdrawal of troops. At the same time he noted that the norms of international practice did not exclude certain economical pressure in case of violation of those rights. He also said that the respectful attitude towards Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states would "meet a proper response" of the Russian party. He also said that the maintenance of human rights irrespective of citizenship was the basic concept behind the policies of Russia towards the issue of Russian minorities. 

The Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Churkin stated that Russia did not make any connection between the rights of Russian-speaking population of Baltic states and the withdrawal of troops. At the same time he noted that the norms of international practice did not exclude certain economical pressure in case of violation of those rights. He also said that the respectful attitude towards Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states would "meet a proper response" of the Russian party. He also said that the maintenance of human rights irrespective of citizenship was the basic concept behind the policies of Russia towards the issue of Russian minorities.Diena