Feb 06 2012

• Representative of NGO Native Language: referendum in the beginning of the revival of ethnic Russian residents

A representative of the Zatler’s Reforms Part Viktors Makarovs at a discussion on inter-ethnic relations organised by news agency LETA stated that on 19 February – the next day after the referendum – residents who do not support introduction of the second state language will wake up with the sense of satisfaction. Those residents, who supported the initiative, in their turn, will be disappointed in their leaders who asserted that it is possible to achieve something.  Representative of the Russian NGO “Native Language” Illarions Girs, in his turn, stated that up-coming referendum is only beginning of the revival of ethnic Russian residents. According to Mr. Girs the referendum does not promote split of the society because the society is already split. As reported, the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia will be conducted on 18 February.

A representative of the Zatlers Reforms Part Viktors Makarovs at a discussion on inter-ethnic relations organised by news agency LETA stated that on 19 February – the next day after the referendum – residents who do not support introduction of the second state language will wake up with the sense of satisfaction. Those residents, who supported the initiative, in their turn, will be disappointed in their leaders who asserted that it is possible to achieve something. Representative of the Russian NGO Native Language Illarions Girs, in his turn, stated that up-coming referendum is only beginning of the revival of ethnic Russian residents. According to Mr. Girs the referendum does not promote split of the society because the society is already split. As reported, the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia will be conducted on 18 February. Chas