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

On April 8 Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Vitaly Churkin called upon Latvia to ignore the document mentioning the creation of military bases in Latvia. He also noted that in case Latvia refused to sign the agreements it would be solely responsible for the consequences. The Ambassador of Latvia to Russia J.Peters demanded an official cancellation of the President's decree. He said that in case that was not done the signing of the agreements could be jeopardized. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Andrey Koziryev the document does not exist at all. He suggested that the press had got hold of one of draft copies. The Press-Secretary of the Russian President Vyacheslav Kostikov did not reject the existence of the document. Still, he admitted that "a technical error of a diplomatic nature" had been made. He also added that all necessary explanations and apologizes had been given by Russia and expressed hope that the summit would be held as scheduled. According to the ITAR-TASS news agency the agency received the decree by diplomatic mail, i.e through official channels.

On April 8 Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Vitaly Churkin called upon Latvia to ignore the document mentioning the creation of military bases in Latvia. He also noted that in case Latvia refused to sign the agreements it would be solely responsible for the consequences. The Ambassador of Latvia to Russia J.Peters demanded an official cancellation of the President's decree. He said that in case that was not done the signing of the agreements could be jeopardized. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Andrey Koziryev the document does not exist at all. He suggested that the press had got hold of one of draft copies. The Press-Secretary of the Russian President Vyacheslav Kostikov did not reject the existence of the document. Still, he admitted that "a technical error of a diplomatic nature" had been made. He also added that all necessary explanations and apologizes had been given by Russia and expressed hope that the summit would be held as scheduled. According to the ITAR-TASS news agency the agency received the decree by diplomatic mail, i.e through official channels. Diena

The presidents of the three Baltic states issued a statement on April 8 calling upon the President of Russia to recognize the inadequacy of the statement and confirm the obligations taking by Russia regarding a prompt withdrawal of troops from Latvia and Estonia.

The presidents of the three Baltic states issued a statement on April 8 calling upon the President of Russia to recognize the inadequacy of the statement and confirm the obligations taking by Russia regarding a prompt withdrawal of troops from Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Labrit

President Ulmanis has canceled his visit to Moscow and his suggestion to the Saema to discuss the signing of the agreements at a meeting scheduled for April 15. During his meetings with the heads of self-governing bodies in Kuldiga the President has suggested that the agreement had to be signed in spite of provocations. President Ulmanis is planning to visit Britain, Germany, and Denmark in order to discuss the situation with Western politicians. He also stressed that certain points of the agreement should be revised and specified and expressed his concern about the growing opposition to the agreement. The President noted that an international expertise of the impact of the Skrunda radar is necessary.

President Ulmanis has canceled his visit to Moscow and his suggestion to the Saema to discuss the signing of the agreements at a meeting scheduled for April 15. During his meetings with the heads of self-governing bodies in Kuldiga the President has suggested that the agreement had to be signed in spite of provocations. President Ulmanis is planning to visit Britain, Germany, and Denmark in order to discuss the situation with Western politicians. He also stressed that certain points of the agreement should be revised and specified and expressed his concern about the growing opposition to the agreement. The President noted that an international expertise of the impact of the Skrunda radar is necessary. Diena, Labrit

On April 8 the Latvian Committee for Radio and TV Broadcasting adopted the decision to continue the re-broadcasting of Ostankino program. The "Ostankino" Company has paid it debts for 1993 and promised to accomplish the remaining payments upon the adoption of the 1994 budget in Russia. 

On April 8 the Latvian Committee for Radio and TV Broadcasting adopted the decision to continue the re-broadcasting of Ostankino program. The "Ostankino" Company has paid it debts for 1993 and promised to accomplish the remaining payments upon the adoption of the 1994 budget in Russia.Labrit, SM