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

According to the Bureau for the Monitoring of Troop Withdrawal it is possible to withdraw 7 thousand Russian servicemen before August 31 as determined by the agreement signed in Moscow. The Chief of the bureau Mr.Upmalis was surprised by the figure of 12 thousand named by the Russian side at the meeting in Moscow which differs from the information of the bureau.

According to the Bureau for the Monitoring of Troop Withdrawal it is possible to withdraw 7 thousand Russian servicemen before August 31 as determined by the agreement signed in Moscow. The Chief of the bureau Mr.Upmalis was surprised by the figure of 12 thousand named by the Russian side at the meeting in Moscow which differs from the information of the bureau. Diena

Import taxes on Latvian goods will be reduced by 50% after the coming into force of the agreement on the favored nation status. Russia has to adopt the note of confirmation of the agreement.

Import taxes on Latvian goods will be reduced by 50% after the coming into force of the agreement on the favored nation status. Russia has to adopt the note of confirmation of the agreement. Diena

The presidents of the tree Baltic states had a meeting in Jurmala yesterday. On top of the agenda were the agreements signed in Moscow and further relations of the three states with Russia. Lithuanian President Brazauskas highly evaluated the agreements on troop withdrawal.

The presidents of the tree Baltic states had a meeting in Jurmala yesterday. On top of the agenda were the agreements signed in Moscow and further relations of the three states with Russia. Lithuanian President Brazauskas highly evaluated the agreements on troop withdrawal. Diena

On May 3 Russian President's Office confirmed that Mr.Yeltsin was planning to visit Latvia "in the nearest future". Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin is expected to visit Latvia in May.

On May 3 Russian President's Office confirmed that Mr.Yeltsin was planning to visit Latvia "in the nearest future". Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin is expected to visit Latvia in May. Neatkariga, Cina

US President Clinton congratulated the presidents of Russia and Latvia in connection with the signing of the agreement on troop withdrawal. He referred to the agreement as an important contribution to the maintenance of international security.

US President Clinton congratulated the presidents of Russia and Latvia in connection with the signing of the agreement on troop withdrawal. He referred to the agreement as an important contribution to the maintenance of international security. Neatkariga, Cina

Saeima is expected to consider the law on the use of the KGB documents in its second reading during its plenary meeting on May 5. All five cases may be considered in court within three months after the adoption of the law if sufficient evidences were collected. The demand for the cancellation of the Saeima decision on the suspension of the mandates signed by five other deputies could be voted on tomorrow.

Saeima is expected to consider the law on the use of the KGB documents in its second reading during its plenary meeting on May 5. All five cases may be considered in court within three months after the adoption of the law if sufficient evidences were collected. The demand for the cancellation of the Saeima decision on the suspension of the mandates signed by five other deputies could be voted on tomorrow. Diena

On May 3 "Latvijas Cels" and "Farmers' Union" fractions which form the governing coalition held a joint meeting. The subject of the discussion was the draft citizenship law. The FU fraction did not agree to certain points of the law associated with the quota principle. Four LC deputies suggested their amendments to the draft regarding naturalization quotas. It is not known to the press whether LC agreed to the demands put forward by their coalition partners.

On May 3 "Latvijas Cels" and "Farmers' Union" fractions which form the governing coalition held a joint meeting. The subject of the discussion was the draft citizenship law. The FU fraction did not agree to certain points of the law associated with the quota principle. Four LC deputies suggested their amendments to the draft regarding naturalization quotas. It is not known to the press whether LC agreed to the demands put forward by their coalition partners. Labrit