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Statement on Latvian language law by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
THE HAGUE 15 July 1999
THE HAGUE, 15 July 1999 - The following statement was released today by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Max van der Stoel.
"I warmly welcome the decision of the President of Latvia to return the State Language Law adopted on 8 July by the Saeima to the parliament for reconsideration.
"I would like to reiterate that I strongly support the aim of strengthening the role of the state language in Latvia. The international community should support the promotion of the Latvian language through increased contributions to Latvian language training provided to non-Latvians.
"It is my firm conviction that a State Language Law can be elaborated by the parliament which will enhance the position of the Latvian language while at the same time being in conformity with international standards."
"I warmly welcome the decision of the President of Latvia to return the State Language Law adopted on 8 July by the Saeima to the parliament for reconsideration.
"I would like to reiterate that I strongly support the aim of strengthening the role of the state language in Latvia. The international community should support the promotion of the Latvian language through increased contributions to Latvian language training provided to non-Latvians.
"It is my firm conviction that a State Language Law can be elaborated by the parliament which will enhance the position of the Latvian language while at the same time being in conformity with international standards."