Statement by Mr. Max van der Stoel, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities regarding the adoption of the State Language Law

by the Latvian Parliament, 9 December 1999

I welcome the adoption of the State Language Law by the Saeima.

Analysis of the revised text of the State Language Law adopted by the Saeima today leads me to the conclusion that the law is now essentially in conformity with Latvia's international obligations and commitments.

I trust that the Cabinet of Ministers will follow the letter and spirit of the Law in elaborating implementing regulations, as foreseen in certain provisions of the Law, and in supervising public administration of the Law.