Latvian Prime Minister will not demand resignation of Minister of Interior

31/07/2006
Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis (People's Party) has decided not to demand Interior Minister Dzintars Jaundzeikars' (Latvia's First Party) resignation.

As the premier pointed out to reporters today, only two months are left until the next elections, and there was no need at this time to ask the minister to step down.

Kalvitis informed that no serious violations were detected in the minister's conduct. The minister, however, received a reprimand for his expressions regarding safety during the gay pride events in Riga, added Kalvitis.

As reported, Jaundzeikars was reproached for his inability to ensure safety during the sexual minorities' organized Friendship Days' events on July 22.

In reaction to the public unrest and violence that occurred at these events, Kalvitis asked Jaundzeikars to hand in a detailed account of all action taken by law enforcement agencies and to explain the public disorder that ensued that Saturday.

In his report to Kalvitis, Jaundzeikars suggested that the highest-ranking state officials should take a neutral position that would promote a "peaceful resolution to the situation and reduce the risk of splitting society".


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