Baltic States – CIS, Education and Science, Latvia, Legislation

The plan has already received the go-ahead from the government, Lavrov explained, adding that Russia "will attempt to come to agreement not only with the Baltic States, but with other neighboring countries as well, where our nationals reside, setting up schools at our expense."

Lavrov also said that instruction in these schools would be based on Russian standards, expressing the wish that this school system would materialize as soon as possible. But he added that "not everything depends on the foreign ministry."

Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (Reform Party), speaking through his press secretary, said that Moscow's idea cannot be supported, as he fails to see the necessity.

In his Twitter account, Rinkevics also pointed out that the establishment of such schools is unacceptable.

Rinkevics explained that the establishment of such schools in Latvia is near impossible, since all educational institutions in Latvia must observe local regulations. Such schools can be set up with the help of intergovernmental agreements, but their usefulness is questionable, emphasized the minister.

Latvia is already funding 99 schools, where classes are being taught in seven minority languages. These schools have a single curriculum, facilitating social integration based on European values and Latvia's identity. Within this context, the establishment of schools based on different standards is questionable, explained Rinkevics.

Lithuania and Estonia have also expressed similar opinions.