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

Ambassador for Special Missions of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Mr.Vovers informed "DIENA" that Latvia was interested in developing the role of the CSCE since it was essential for maintaining its security. According to Mr.Vovers Latvia has no alternative program for the development of the CSCE activities. The program will be developed before the end of this year. Similar program developed by Russia has been already handed over by Russian Ambassador to Latvian Government.

Ambassador for Special Missions of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Mr.Vovers informed "DIENA" that Latvia was interested in developing the role of the CSCE since it was essential for maintaining its security. According to Mr.Vovers Latvia has no alternative program for the development of the CSCE activities. The program will be developed before the end of this year. Similar program developed by Russia has been already handed over by Russian Ambassador to Latvian Government. Diena

During the celebration of the one-year anniversary of the "Latvijas Cels" government Prime-Minister Birkavs stated that the fraction had already formed the Cabinet and prepared a declaration.

During the celebration of the one-year anniversary of the "Latvijas Cels" government Prime-Minister Birkavs stated that the fraction had already formed the Cabinet and prepared a declaration. Diena

It seems like the Forum of Political Parties will not adopt any decision on Mr.Krastins's government today. The Democratic Party and the Union of Economists are not ready to refuse to support the new cabinet. Head of the Union Mr.Kide confirmed again that he would not vote for the LNNK government if it decided to review the citizenship law. His fraction will request corresponding information from LNNK during consultations next week. The Democratic Party adopted a statement in support of a stable government. According to the statement Democrats are ready to participate in the new government.

It seems like the Forum of Political Parties will not adopt any decision on Mr.Krastins's government today. The Democratic Party and the Union of Economists are not ready to refuse to support the new cabinet. Head of the Union Mr.Kide confirmed again that he would not vote for the LNNK government if it decided to review the citizenship law. His fraction will request corresponding information from LNNK during consultations next week. The Democratic Party adopted a statement in support of a stable government. According to the statement Democrats are ready to participate in the new government. Diena, Neatkariga Cina

Representatives of the Council of Europe will have a meeting with Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Commission Mrs.Inese Birzniece, representatives of ethnic communities, heads of the Saeima fractions, Latvian representative in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council and Chairman of the Saeima Juridical Commission Mr.Endzins, Chairman of the Saeima Mr.Gorbunovs, and State Minister for Human Rights Mr.Bruvers. The representatives of the Council will prepare a report on Latvia's compliance with the Council of Europe standards.

Representatives of the Council of Europe will have a meeting with Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Commission Mrs.Inese Birzniece, representatives of ethnic communities, heads of the Saeima fractions, Latvian representative in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council and Chairman of the Saeima Juridical Commission Mr.Endzins, Chairman of the Saeima Mr.Gorbunovs, and State Minister for Human Rights Mr.Bruvers. The representatives of the Council will prepare a report on Latvia's compliance with the Council of Europe standards. Diena

The European Union issued a statement welcoming the agreements on troop withdrawal signed by Estonia and Russia and the adoption of the citizenship law in Latvia. The statement stresses that these steps contribute to the implementation of the Stability Pact. 

The European Union issued a statement welcoming the agreements on troop withdrawal signed by Estonia and Russia and the adoption of the citizenship law in Latvia. The statement stresses that these steps contribute to the implementation of the Stability Pact.Diena

"KECH - Domicile" mission started its activities last Friday. According to its head Mr.Igor Zgursky its objective is to assist KECH house inhabitants in settling of their registration and "propiska" problems and providing legal aid to them.

"KECH - Domicile" mission started its activities last Friday. According to its head Mr.Igor Zgursky its objective is to assist KECH house inhabitants in settling of their registration and "propiska" problems and providing legal aid to them. SM Segodnya

President Ulmanis had a meeting with British Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr.Hogg on August 3. The agenda included discussion of a peculiar ethnic situation in Latvia. Mr.Hogg met Deputy-Chairman of the Saeima Mr.Andreis Krastins and Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Aleksandrs Kirsteins. Mr.Hogg showed a particular interest in political forces representing a non-Latvian part of the population. He stressed that Latvia would encounter serious difficulties when entering the European Union if it did not overcome its internal contradictions and failed to settle problems connected with its relations with neighboring countries

President Ulmanis had a meeting with British Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr.Hogg on August 3. The agenda included discussion of a peculiar ethnic situation in Latvia. Mr.Hogg met Deputy-Chairman of the Saeima Mr.Andreis Krastins and Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Aleksandrs Kirsteins. Mr.Hogg showed a particular interest in political forces representing a non-Latvian part of the population. He stressed that Latvia would encounter serious difficulties when entering the European Union if it did not overcome its internal contradictions and failed to settle problems connected with its relations with neighboring countries. Labrit

The Saeima Defence and Security commission decided yesterday that the agreements with Russia should be ratified. Still according to Head of the Commission Mr.Ivars Silars that should be done after the agreements were ratified by the Russian parliament. According to Head of the Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Aleksandrs Kirsteins the issue of the ratification could be considered next Thursday. Still, he believes that only three of the four agreements should be ratified leaving out the agreement on social guarantees for pensioned servicemen which could be ratified later.

The Saeima Defence and Security commission decided yesterday that the agreements with Russia should be ratified. Still according to Head of the Commission Mr.Ivars Silars that should be done after the agreements were ratified by the Russian parliament. According to Head of the Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Aleksandrs Kirsteins the issue of the ratification could be considered next Thursday. Still, he believes that only three of the four agreements should be ratified leaving out the agreement on social guarantees for pensioned servicemen which could be ratified later. Neatkariga Cina

President Ulmanis received President Clinton's letter informing that the United States have decided to increase the amount allotted to the dismantling of the Skrunda radar up to $ 7 million. The US President expressed hope that Latvia will take all necessary measures to start the dismantling as soon as possible.

President Ulmanis received President Clinton's letter informing that the United States have decided to increase the amount allotted to the dismantling of the Skrunda radar up to $ 7 million. The US President expressed hope that Latvia will take all necessary measures to start the dismantling as soon as possible. SM Segodnya