Press statement
Statement on adoption of bill 880 SE I by the Estonian Parliament
- Date:
- Place:
- THE HAGUE
- Source:
- OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
- Fields of work:
- National minority issues
THE HAGUE, 22 November 2001 - The following statement was issued by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Rolf Ekéus, today:
I welcome the adoption yesterday by the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) of bill 880 SE I by which the requirement of Estonian language proficiency was abolished for persons standing for election. This was an important decision. The amendment to the Election Laws brings Estonian legislation into conformity with Estonia's international obligations. More generally, Estonian law now ensures the basic democratic principle that, through their freely chosen representatives, the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government.
I welcome the adoption yesterday by the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) of bill 880 SE I by which the requirement of Estonian language proficiency was abolished for persons standing for election. This was an important decision. The amendment to the Election Laws brings Estonian legislation into conformity with Estonia's international obligations. More generally, Estonian law now ensures the basic democratic principle that, through their freely chosen representatives, the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government.
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