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

The "Latvijas Cels" party held a conference on state security on May 8. Reports were delivered by Prime-Minister Birkavs, Minister of Interior Kristovskis, National Guard Commander Eihmanis, and Deputy-Procurator General Ziedins. Mr.Birkavs stressed the importance of the implementation of the part of the agreement with Russia on the repatriation of pensioned officers. He also admitted that Latvia had no precise data on the number of servicemen distributed in Latvia which is between 7 and 12 thousand. According to the Prime-Minister the Cabinet of Ministers will hold a special meeting next week dedicated to the implementation of the agreements with Russia. He also noted that the completion of the troop withdrawal is possible as early as before July 31. As a priority issue "the fifth column" was mentioned. Another important problem according to Mr.Birkavs is an expanding influence of the organized crime. Several speakers marked the importance of the adoption of the laws on state security on May 5 and the foundation of the Bureau for the Protection of Satversme

The "Latvijas Cels" party held a conference on state security on May 8. Reports were delivered by Prime-Minister Birkavs, Minister of Interior Kristovskis, National Guard Commander Eihmanis, and Deputy-Procurator General Ziedins. Mr.Birkavs stressed the importance of the implementation of the part of the agreement with Russia on the repatriation of pensioned officers. He also admitted that Latvia had no precise data on the number of servicemen distributed in Latvia which is between 7 and 12 thousand. According to the Prime-Minister the Cabinet of Ministers will hold a special meeting next week dedicated to the implementation of the agreements with Russia. He also noted that the completion of the troop withdrawal is possible as early as before July 31. As a priority issue "the fifth column" was mentioned. Another important problem according to Mr.Birkavs is an expanding influence of the organized crime. Several speakers marked the importance of the adoption of the laws on state security on May 5 and the foundation of the Bureau for the Protection of Satversme. Diena

Boris Cilevic analyzes the current status of non-citizens in his article in DIENA. He points out that high ranking government officials often are not informed about the existing situation. The author also points out that new laws and legal acts have been adopted introducing new differences between citizens and non-citizens. These laws include the following:

Boris Cilevic analyzes the current status of non-citizens in his article in DIENA. He points out that high ranking government officials often are not informed about the existing situation. The author also points out that new laws and legal acts have been adopted introducing new differences between citizens and non-citizens. These laws include the following:

1. Amendments to the Law "On the Police" banning non-citizens from any job in the police;

1. Amendments to the Law "On the Police" banning non-citizens from any job in the police;

2. The Law "On State Civil Service" banning non-citizens from the job as a state official;

2. The Law "On State Civil Service" banning non-citizens from the job as a state official;

3. Amendments to the Act "On Private Detective Activities" canceling the issuance of detective licenses to non-citizens.

3. Amendments to the Act "On Private Detective Activities" canceling the issuance of detective licenses to non-citizens.

4. 15 certificates are added for every citizen child born from Dec.31, 92, to 1996. Non-citizens do not receive certificates for new-born children;

4. 15 certificates are added for every citizen child born from Dec.31, 92, to 1996. Non-citizens do not receive certificates for new-born children;

5. Amnesty declared in accordance with the Law "On Amnesty" does not apply to non-citizens.

5. Amnesty declared in accordance with the Law "On Amnesty" does not apply to non-citizens. Diena