Education and Science, Latvia, Legislation

After the ruling coalition parties' meeting on Monday, Justice Minister Dzintars Rasnacs (All For Latvia-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK) explained that a major contradiction was approved when the commission was being set up – the supervisory function was combined with the research function, and this had to be changed now.

The University of Latvia will cooperate with the commission to agree on how the supervisory function will be separated from the commission's research work, said Rasnacs.

He went on to say that, after the relevant laws and regulations are amended, the commission could resume work in May or even in April.

Last year the government decided to task the Justice Ministry with administration of the work of the commission for studying KGB documents in Latvia. The government also approved EUR 250,000 for the commission's work in 2015-2017.

This past February, Rasnacs ordered Kristine Jarinovska dismissed from the commission – contrary to other commission members' opinion. The commission's head Karlis Kangeris said this was unacceptable, and that he would also step down from the commission.

Later on, almost 100 historians, scientists, academicians, museum representatives, university and college professors, lecturers and other intelligentsia representatives turned to President Andris Berzins and other high-ranking officials, asking them to halt Rasnacs' activities concerning the commission's work and independence.