DOMODEDOVO (Moscow Region ), February 9, 2004. (RIA Novosti). Valery Loshchinin, a senior executive of the Russian Foreign Ministry, censured the decision of Latvia's Seim (parliament) relating to the tuition in the Russian language in the republic. "Our response will be adequate," first deputy foreign minister said at a seminar held in the Moscow suburbs for the State Duma deputies who were elected to the lower house of the Russian parliament for the first time.
The other day the Latvian parliament adopted amendments to the Law on Education which envisage that at least 60 percent of classes in school with all-Russian student bodies must be taught in Latvian.
The rights of Russians residing in the republics of the former Soviet Union should be fought for vigorously and effectively, the high-placed Russian diplomat said.
In his words, the position of Russians in Latvia and in Estonia, especially non-citizens whose political rights are prejudiced, is utterly non-acceptable.
