DUSHANBE, October 3, 2009, Asia-Plus — Members of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) have unanimously seconded the new law on the state language of Tajikistan.
The 21st session of the Majlisi Milli, presided over by its speaker, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, was held on October 3.
Presenting the law, member of the Majlisi Milli also President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, academician Mamadsho Ilolov, noted that the new language legislation created a legal space for protection and development of the Tajik language. “The law obligates all citizens of the country to study the state language and simultaneously it guarantees development of languages of other peoples of Tajikistan,” academician Ilolov said.
Speaking at the session, the Majlisi Milli Speaker Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev noted that the new law on the state language reflected principles of internationalism. “However, to be citizen of the republic and not to speak the state language does not meet principles of patriotism,” the speaker added.
We will recall that that the new language legislation was adopted by the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) and submitted for consideration to the upper house of the parliament on October 1.
The 21st session of the upper house also considered a number of other laws adopted by the Majlisi Namoyandagon this year. In all, members of the Majlisi Milli session considered 12 issues.
