RIGA, December 19 (RIA Novosti, Yuri Guralnik) - The Latvian government regards signing the Schengen treaty on immigration policy and border control as a priority, a Cabinet spokesperson said Monday.

The Interior Ministry has already received $80 million from the EU for this purpose, but has spent only 1% of the allocated sum.

Latvian Interior Minister Dzintars Jaundjeikars pledged during a government meeting to use all available resources to ensure that the country joins the zone on time, in 2006.

The Schengen treaty is an agreement between European countries ensuring a common immigration policy and border system. Border checkpoints have been removed between member countries, and a common 'Schengen visa' allows entry to the zone.

In order to join the Schengen zone, Latvia has to increase the budget for its border control service, bringing border security up to the required standard.

In particular, reforms include $35-million of infrastructure investment for Latvia's borderguard air service.