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

Minister for Foreign of Estonia Juri Luik received a letter by Secretary of state Warren Christopher expressing the readiness of the United States to allot 1000 certificates to Latvia and Estonia for the purchase of apartments in Russia by pensioned Russian Army servicemen. The value of a certificate is not known yet.

Minister for Foreign of Estonia Juri Luik received a letter by Secretary of state Warren Christopher expressing the readiness of the United States to allot 1000 certificates to Latvia and Estonia for the purchase of apartments in Russia by pensioned Russian Army servicemen. The value of a certificate is not known yet. Diena

The problem of Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states and the withdrawal of Russian troops from the region were among top issues of the conference on the Stability Pact opened on May 26 in Paris. The Stability Pact will determine nine basic principles to regulate the foreign policies of Central and East European countries. The Stability Pact connects further broadening of the Union of Europe with agreements on territorial claims, and ethnic, religious and cultural rights of ethnic minorities. Mr.E.Levits said that Latvia would actively participate in the Pact. Russian Minister for Foreign affairs Mr.Koziryev said that Russia would not participate in the talks on the possible solution of ethnic problems in the Baltic states. According to Mr.Levits Russia has not decided on its participation in the Stability pact yet. It is expected that Mr.Levits will propose to organize the Baltic Regional Round Table in Riga in the framework of the Stability Pact. According to unofficial sources the speech delivered by Minister Koziryev today caused certain strain. Still, its is expected that Russia will participate in the Baltic Regional Round Table.

The problem of Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states and the withdrawal of Russian troops from the region were among top issues of the conference on the Stability Pact opened on May 26 in Paris. The Stability Pact will determine nine basic principles to regulate the foreign policies of Central and East European countries. The Stability Pact connects further broadening of the Union of Europe with agreements on territorial claims, and ethnic, religious and cultural rights of ethnic minorities. Mr.E.Levits said that Latvia would actively participate in the Pact. Russian Minister for Foreign affairs Mr.Koziryev said that Russia would not participate in the talks on the possible solution of ethnic problems in the Baltic states. According to Mr.Levits Russia has not decided on its participation in the Stability pact yet. It is expected that Mr.Levits will propose to organize the Baltic Regional Round Table in Riga in the framework of the Stability Pact. According to unofficial sources the speech delivered by Minister Koziryev today caused certain strain. Still, its is expected that Russia will participate in the Baltic Regional Round Table. Diena

Former Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR Viktor Alksnis has sent an open letter to President Ulmanis stating that there at least three high-ranking government officials who collaborated with the KGB. He does not give any names but except for their KGB nick-names. Mr.Alksins refers to the information received from the First Secretary of the Latvian Communist Party (later USSR Minister of Interior and one of the organizers of the coup) Boris Pugo. The letter has not been published yet because its the President is still on his visit to the USA.

Former Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR Viktor Alksnis has sent an open letter to President Ulmanis stating that there at least three high-ranking government officials who collaborated with the KGB. He does not give any names but except for their KGB nick-names. Mr.Alksins refers to the information received from the First Secretary of the Latvian Communist Party (later USSR Minister of Interior and one of the organizers of the coup) Boris Pugo. The letter has not been published yet because its the President is still on his visit to the USA. Diena, Neatkariga

The "Latvijas Cels" fraction nominated its deputy Lainis Kamaldins for the post of the Director of the bureau for the Protection of Satversme.

The "Latvijas Cels" fraction nominated its deputy Lainis Kamaldins for the post of the Director of the bureau for the Protection of Satversme. Labrit

The "Saskana Latvijai" fraction adopted its new name during its meeting on May 25. The new name is "Tautsaimnieku politisca apvieniba" ("Political Union of Industrial Executives"). According to fraction leader Mr.Edvins Kide that was done to avoid misunderstanding since the name of the party that has split from "Saskana Latvjai" is "Tautas saskanas partija" ("People's Harmony Party").

The "Saskana Latvijai" fraction adopted its new name during its meeting on May 25. The new name is "Tautsaimnieku politisca apvieniba" ("Political Union of Industrial Executives"). According to fraction leader Mr.Edvins Kide that was done to avoid misunderstanding since the name of the party that has split from "Saskana Latvjai" is "Tautas saskanas partija" ("People's Harmony Party"). Neatkariga

Director of independent social research center "PROGNOZ" Mr.Alexander Vasilyev points out that the parties having the best chances at the elections are LNNK/the Greens, the People's Harmony Party, the Socialist Party, and "Saimnieks."

Director of independent social research center "PROGNOZ" Mr.Alexander Vasilyev points out that the parties having the best chances at the elections are LNNK/the Greens, the People's Harmony Party, the Socialist Party, and "Saimnieks." SM Segodnja

In his interview for "BALTIYSKAYA GAZETA" Minister of Justice Levits agreed that there were certain inconsistencies in the legislation since it is a transitional system. He believes that there are three groups of the stateless individuals in Latvia. The first group will apply for citizenship and meet the corresponding demands regarding the knowledge of the Latvian language. The second group will choose to preserve their current status, while the third group will emigrate.

In his interview for "BALTIYSKAYA GAZETA" Minister of Justice Levits agreed that there were certain inconsistencies in the legislation since it is a transitional system. He believes that there are three groups of the stateless individuals in Latvia. The first group will apply for citizenship and meet the corresponding demands regarding the knowledge of the Latvian language. The second group will choose to preserve their current status, while the third group will emigrate.