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Statement regarding the adoption of amendments to the Law on Language by the Estonian Parliament
THE HAGUE 15 June 2000
THE HAGUE, 15 June 2000 - The following statement regarding the adoption of amendments to the Estonian Law on Language was released by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Max van der Stoel, today.
"I welcome the adoption of the amendments to the Law on Language by the Riigikogu.
"Analysis of the amended text of the Law on Language leads me to the conclusion that the text of the Law is largely in conformity with Estonia's international obligations and commitments.
"I trust that the Cabinet of Ministers will follow the letter and spirit of the amended Law in elaborating implementing regulations, as foreseen in certain provisions of the Law, and in supervising public administration of the Law. In particular, I trust that actual practice under the Law will be in accordance with the new Article 21 which restricts the scope of application of the Law only to expressed public interests permissible under international law and in proportion to the legitimate aim sought."
"I welcome the adoption of the amendments to the Law on Language by the Riigikogu.
"Analysis of the amended text of the Law on Language leads me to the conclusion that the text of the Law is largely in conformity with Estonia's international obligations and commitments.
"I trust that the Cabinet of Ministers will follow the letter and spirit of the amended Law in elaborating implementing regulations, as foreseen in certain provisions of the Law, and in supervising public administration of the Law. In particular, I trust that actual practice under the Law will be in accordance with the new Article 21 which restricts the scope of application of the Law only to expressed public interests permissible under international law and in proportion to the legitimate aim sought."