Guide for the State language inspectors presented in Riga with OSCE support

RIGA, 15 November 2006 - A practice guide for the Latvian State language inspectors was presented in Riga today as part of a training programme, organized by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM).

"The new publication, prepared in Latvian and English, will assist the State Language Centre and language inspectors in implementing the Latvian language law in a balanced and effective way, taking account of relevant national and international legislation," said Ambassador John de Fonblanque, Director of the Office of the HCNM.

"The new guide will also identify and explain the legal rules to be applied in the administrative process during language inspections. It offers a unified methodology for the interpretation and application of the provisions of the language law."

Dr. Agris Timuska, Director of the State Language Centre, welcomed the publication and thanked the German and Swedish Governments for financing the project. He also expressed hope that the Guide will help inspectors clarify the legal rules and principles to be applied during their work.