[lg policy] Brussels takes note of adoption of Ukraine's language law, doesn't comment on it

[Harold Schiffman]

Brussels takes note of adoption of Ukraine's language law, doesn't comment on it



The European Commission has taken into account the adoption of the law
on the principles of the state language policy of Ukraine.

"We take note of the adoption by the Ukrainian parliament of a law on
the principles of the state language policy of Ukraine. It is not for
the EU and the European Commission to comment on the compliance of the
respective draft law with the European Charter for Regional or
Minority Languages," the European Commission said in a comment
available to Interfax-Ukraine.

At the same time, the European Commission noted that Ukrainian
lawmakers consulted with the Council of Europe's Venice Commission
concerning the draft law, and it provided important comments. Among
others, it called for "a fair balance between the protection of the
rights of minorities, on the one hand, and the preservation of the
state language as a tool for integration within society, on the other
hand."

It is for the Ukrainian parliament to decide on this important matter,
the European Commission said. The Council of Europe and the Venice
Commission will provide the assessment of the adopted document to
clarify its compliance with the standards of the European Charter for
Regional or Minority Languages, the Commission said.

The Commission said they could not comment on the positions of various
political figures in Ukraine on the relevant law.

The European Commission also called on Ukrainian authorities to ensure
that there are no violations of the right to freedom of assembly.

Commenting on the resignation of Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr
Lytvyn, the European Commission said: "We stress the importance of
political changes taking place according to democratic standards."

http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/110038/

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