Latvia approves legislation banning Soviet, Nazi symbols June 21, 2013 - 11:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Latvia’s parliament has approved in the third and final reading amendments to legislation that ban the display of Soviet and Nazi symbols at all public events, RIA Novosti said. The ban involves flags, anthems, uniforms, as well as Nazi swastikas and Soviet hammer and sickle emblems. The bill, passed by the parliament on Thursday, June 20 was partly inspired by annual pro-Russian rallies and SS veteran parades which Latvian authorities regard as attempts to “divide” the country. It will become law after Latvian President Andris Berzins signs it sometime during summer. Russian lawmakers immediately condemned the Latvian move as “a blatant disrespect for the memories of those who perished fighting against fascism” and as an act of “discrimination against the veterans of Russia’s Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany.” “Equating Soviet and Nazi symbols is pure blasphemy,” said Leonid Slutsky, head of State Duma committee on CIS Affairs.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP  Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan.Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”.41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience.Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |
