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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman July 15, 1999 Latvian Language Law Newly elected Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has announced she would not sign the new language law as passed by the Latvian Parliament, the Saeima, and she has returned the law for revision. In her letter to the Saeima, she has made clear that she wants a law that promotes the Latvian language and helps to integrate the full spectrum of Latvian society. At the same time, she wants to ensure that Latvia meets its international obligations and that the law meets international standards. The U.S. Government applauds President Vike-Freiberga's courage and foresight in returning the language law to the Saeima for revision. Her action is evidence of the maturity of Latvian democracy and the depth of Latvia's commitment to the principles of social justice and equity. We echo President Vike-Freiberga's call for a language law that promotes the use of the Latvian language and that advances social integration while at the same time meeting Latvia's international obligations. Toward this end, we encourage the Latvian government to work closely with the OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities to make the few but significant changes that will perfect the law and bring it into compliance with OSCE standards. As with other such legislation in Latvia and in the region, the U.S. government does not, and will not, ask for changes in the law that go beyond the OSCE's recommendations, and will not support any demands in excess of those recommendations. [end of document]