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 Third Session of the Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Baltic States started on May 24 in Tallinn. The agenda will include the role of the Union of Europe in the region, economic and technical co-operation, support of democratic institutions, environmental issues, illegal migration, and organized crime. Latvia is represented by Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Egils Levits and State Minister for Baltic and Nordic Countries of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Gunars Mejerovics. During the session the commissioner for human rights of the Council will be elected. According to Mr.Mejerovics the commissioner's activities will to a certain extend coincide with the tasks performed by the CSCE mission to Latvia. He stressed that there was "no reason for Latvia to worry since all international norms will be adhered to". A representative of Denmark is expected to be suggested as a candidate for the post. Troop withdrawal-related issues will be discussed as well. The issue of territorial claims of Baltic states to Russia was not included in the agenda.

The Third Session of the Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Baltic States started on May 24 in Tallinn. The agenda will include the role of the Union of Europe in the region, economic and technical co-operation, support of democratic institutions, environmental issues, illegal migration, and organized crime. Latvia is represented by Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Egils Levits and State Minister for Baltic and Nordic Countries of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Gunars Mejerovics. During the session the commissioner for human rights of the Council will be elected. According to Mr.Mejerovics the commissioner's activities will to a certain extend coincide with the tasks performed by the CSCE mission to Latvia. He stressed that there was "no reason for Latvia to worry since all international norms will be adhered to". A representative of Denmark is expected to be suggested as a candidate for the post. Troop withdrawal-related issues will be discussed as well. The issue of territorial claims of Baltic states to Russia was not included in the agenda. Diena, Labrit, Neatkariga

On May 23 the Committee for Foreign Affairs and Security of the Cabinet of Ministers considered the issue of anti-state organizations in Latvia. According to Minister of Justice Levits there are several organizations active in the country whose activities contradict Satversme. Still, he refused to give any names.

On May 23 the Committee for Foreign Affairs and Security of the Cabinet of Ministers considered the issue of anti-state organizations in Latvia. According to Minister of Justice Levits there are several organizations active in the country whose activities contradict Satversme. Still, he refused to give any names. Labrit

Minister of Economics Mr.Kehris, Minister of justice Mr.Levits, and President of the Bank of Latvia Mr.Repse have adopted a joint statement. The statement emphasizes the importance of the creation of the real estate market in Latvia. It is stressed that in order to attract foreign investments into Latvian economy a free market of land and real estate should be formed.

Minister of Economics Mr.Kehris, Minister of justice Mr.Levits, and President of the Bank of Latvia Mr.Repse have adopted a joint statement. The statement emphasizes the importance of the creation of the real estate market in Latvia. It is stressed that in order to attract foreign investments into Latvian economy a free market of land and real estate should be formed. Diena, Labrit

The Farmers' Union spokesmen objected against the criticism of its economic policies by "Latvijas Cels". It was stressed that the Union works in accordance with the program adopted by Saeima and incorporated into the agreement on the coalition. It was also mentioned that the Farmers have no intention to leave the coalition.

The Farmers' Union spokesmen objected against the criticism of its economic policies by "Latvijas Cels". It was stressed that the Union works in accordance with the program adopted by Saeima and incorporated into the agreement on the coalition. It was also mentioned that the Farmers have no intention to leave the coalition. Diena, Neatkariga Cina

Inspector General of the Ministry of Defence Herberts Linde has been detained for illegal possession of arms. His arrest has been connected with the activities of a company managed by the inspector.

Inspector General of the Ministry of Defence Herberts Linde has been detained for illegal possession of arms. His arrest has been connected with the activities of a company managed by the inspector. Diena

The Society of Former Political Prisoners has issued an open letter stating that this category of politically oppressed are deprived of their privileges by being excluded from the groups entitled to such privileges by the draft law on politically oppressed. The draft law does not apply to politically oppressed non-citizens.

The Society of Former Political Prisoners has issued an open letter stating that this category of politically oppressed are deprived of their privileges by being excluded from the groups entitled to such privileges by the draft law on politically oppressed. The draft law does not apply to politically oppressed non-citizens. SM Segodnya

The Council for the Co-ordination of the "Center for Democratic Initiative" party has decided not to participate in the election to the self-government bodies. The Council considers the law on local elections to be discriminating. The "Center for Democratic Initiative" suggested that a draft law "On the Conditions of the Naturalization of Permanent Inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia" developed on the basis of Van der Stoel's recommendations should be submitted to a nation-wide poll for non-citizens and then approved of by citizens during another poll.

The Council for the Co-ordination of the "Center for Democratic Initiative" party has decided not to participate in the election to the self-government bodies. The Council considers the law on local elections to be discriminating. The "Center for Democratic Initiative" suggested that a draft law "On the Conditions of the Naturalization of Permanent Inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia" developed on the basis of Van der Stoel's recommendations should be submitted to a nation-wide poll for non-citizens and then approved of by citizens during another poll. SM Segodnya