Previous versions discriminated against ethnic Russians.
Published:
16 December 1999 y., Thursday
The United States welcomed Latvia_s new language law on Tuesday and urged the government to follow through by observing its international obligations. Parliament approved an amended version of the controversial bill on December 9 after protests from Moscow and EU about an earlier draft. "The United States believes this law will promote and preserve the Latvian language, while respecting the privacy of Latvia_s private commercial activities and the private lives of all of Latvia_s residents," U.S. State Department said in a statement released by the embassy in Riga.
The law, which comes into force next September, boosts the use of Latvian language, which politicians say needs protection after it was marginalised by Russian during 50 years of Soviet rule.
Moscow has criticized the legislation saying it discriminates against 650,000 Russian speakers.
The U.S. statement recalled that social integration of non-Latvian speakers is a key goal of the U.S.-Baltic Charter of Partnership.
Šaltinis:
MSNBC
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
Tomorrow, May 6, His Majesty King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain arrive in Lithuania on a two-day state visit.
more »
President Valdas Adamkus offered deep condolences to those who have lost their beloved ones in the tragic incident which happened at Azerbaijan's State Oil Academy, resulting in the loss of young lives.
more »
President Valdas Adamkus received Admiral Giampaolo di Paola, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee.
more »
At the international energy conference held in Vilnius on the initiative of Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, the Prime Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have signed a declaration of agreement on energy projects of Baltic relevance.
more »
President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus received President of Radio Free Europe Jeffrey Gedmin.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus bade good-bye to the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Slovakia Mr. Ivan Špilda, who resided in Riga.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus received letters of credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia Mr. Bogdan Benko.
more »
The Lithuanian Government has granted accreditation to Internet journalists and bloggers.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus participated in a Baltic Sea Round Table in Helsinki as part of the programme of his state visit to Finland.
more »
While on a state visit to Finland, President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus made a speech at a luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Helsinki Mr. Jussi Pajunen in the City Hall.
more »