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

European Union Commissioner van der Broek will visit Latvia on April 3 to meet Latvian politicians and to open the office of the European Commission Delegation in Riga. Mr. van der Broek will have meetings with Minister for European Union Affairs Kirsteins, members of the Saeima Committee for European Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs, President Ulmanis, Saeima Speaker Cepanis and Prime-Minister Skele.

European Union Commissioner van der Broek will visit Latvia on April 3 to meet Latvian politicians and to open the office of the European Commission Delegation in Riga. Mr. van der Broek will have meetings with Minister for European Union Affairs Kirsteins, members of the Saeima Committee for European Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs, President Ulmanis, Saeima Speaker Cepanis and Prime-Minister Skele. Diena

According to

According to "DIENA", a US Congressional delegation confirmed that Latvia satisfies requirements for potential NATO members. Delegation member Gerald Solomon at a press-conference stressed that Latvia was advancing toward democracy, free market economy, civil control of the armed forces and observance of human rights. The US fully supports Latvia's intention to join NATO, said Mr. Solomon. He is the author of a draft resolution supporting the admission of the Baltic states to NATO currently circulating in the Congress. Diena

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a note by the Russian Embassy to Latvia on acts of vandalism toward the Monument to the Liberators of Riga and other monuments to participants of World War Two. The note refers to the 1994 agreement between Latvia and Russia obliging Latvia to take care of war memorials. 

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a note by the Russian Embassy to Latvia on acts of vandalism toward the Monument to the Liberators of Riga and other monuments to participants of World War Two. The note refers to the 1994 agreement between Latvia and Russia obliging Latvia to take care of war memorials.Diena

Byelorussia and Slovakia officially recognized the new non-citizens' passport. The passport has already been recognized by the USA, Estonia and Lithuania. Samples of the passport and official notes have been sent to almost 200 states on February 26.

Byelorussia and Slovakia officially recognized the new non-citizens' passport. The passport has already been recognized by the USA, Estonia and Lithuania. Samples of the passport and official notes have been sent to almost 200 states on February 26. Neatkariga

Andris and Albina Kiskis told

Andris and Albina Kiskis told "VAKARA ZINAS" that they had been residing for three years in Holland in a refugee home while their children attended school. To apply for Dutch citizenship they had to provide a certificate confirming that they were not Latvian citizens. The Latvian Embassy refused to issue the document and the Kiskises were expelled from Holland. Liepaja authorities refused to provide them with suitable lodging and threaten to move them out of the abandoned apartment they have recently occupied. According to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kiskises applied for a document confirming that Latvia was refusing to receive them. A spokesman for the Ministry said that the family was not persecuted in Latvia and, thus, could not apply for refugee status in Holland. VZ