Head of Maxima Latvia supermarket chain fired over commentsNovember 29, 2013 - 10:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The head of a supermarket chain in Latvia has lost his job over controversial comments he made after the collapse of a shop in Riga, BBC News reported. Gintaras Jasinskas, chairman of Maxima Latvia, sparked anger by saying: "It is those who feel guilty who resign." His remarks came after he was asked whether any company executives would follow Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis' lead and step down. At least 54 people died when the Maxima supermarket collapsed last week. Asked about the disaster, Jasinskas said he felt "responsible, but not guilty", adding that he could "look people in the eyes". Maxima, which has its headquarters in neighbouring Lithuania, operates supermarkets in all three Baltic states. The foreign ministry summoned Lithuania's ambassador Ricardas Degutis to demand an explanation, according to local media. Mindaugas Bagdonavicius, Lithuanian chief executive of the Maxima Group, later announced Jasinskas had been sacked over Thursday, November 28 remarks. "Shareholders have decided to dismiss from his position the chairman of Maxima Latvija Gintaras Jasinskas for his unacceptably expressed opinion at this painful and difficult time for Latvia's nation," Reuters quoted Bagdonavicius as saying. The Latvian prime minister announced his resignation - and thereby the fall of his government - on Wednesday. President Berzins earlier described the disaster as "murder" and called for foreign experts to investigate what had happened. Berzins is now considering appointing a new government. Elections are not scheduled until October next year. The collapse was the biggest loss of life since Latvia became independent from the USSR in 1991. Police have opened a criminal investigation into the cause of the disaster. Related links: 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |