The Saeima has adopted and the President promulgated the following laws: For the Republic of Latvia and the Holy seat agreement article 1. 2000. on 8 November, signed in the Republic of Latvia and the Holy Chair agreement (hereinafter Agreement) with this law is adopted and approved. 2. article. The law shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. To put the contract in law Latvian and English. 3. article. The agreement shall enter into force for the period specified in article 33 and in order, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the newspaper "journal". The law adopted by the Parliament in 2002 on September 12. State v. President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga in Riga 2002 September 25 Republic of LATVIA and the Holy Chair agreement the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See, respecting that in 1922 between the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See signed the Concordat that currently, given the national and international level changes, is to be replaced by a new international agreement; Taking into account, on the Latvian side, the Constitution and international treaties, which it is, the principles contained, and Chair of the Holy side, the Second Vatican Council's document and canonical rules of law; Noting that a significant proportion of the population of the Republic of Latvia are Catholic; Aware of the Catholic Church in the Republic of Latvia, the positive contribution of the nation's religious, moral development and socialization process; Desiring to define the legal status of the Catholic Church, and regulate cooperation in the field of education and culture, as well as to develop consistent and effective national armed forces dienoš the Catholic members and prison inmates Catholic spiritual care; It is mutually agreed as follows: part I. The legal status of the Catholic Church in Chapter 1. The legal personality of the Catholic Church article 1 of the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See recognises that they each their respective spheres of competence, are independent and autonomous. They reiterate their willingness to respect this principle in action, with each party, both separately and jointly, wants to promote Latvia spiritual growth and prosperity. 2. Article 1. acknowledges that the Catholic Church in Latvia is a public legal personality. 2. the authorities of the Catholic Church in the Republic of Latvia, in accordance with Canon law is a public law legal person status, has legal personality in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia. 3. the competent Church authority or officer, in accordance with the canonical law may establish, modify, recognize and eliminate the Church's public law legal persons. In the case where such changes may affect the existing situation of the Catholic Church in the Republic of Latvia, they must notify the competent national authorities or officials under the existing law of the Republic of Latvia. Article 3 of the Republic of Latvia recognises the Catholic Church, of its independent legal personality and separate Catholic free to communicate and stay connected with the Holy See and other canonical law recognised the church institutions, including those outside the country's borders. Article 4 with regard to the laws of the Republic of Latvia and the international treaties to which the Republic of Latvia has acceded to, the specific freedom of faith, the Catholic Church in the Republic of Latvia, together with the communities and institutions are guaranteed the right to freely determine its internal administration, to take action and implement the cult's own destiny, making pastoral activities, including social, educational and cultural fields. Article 5 Only the Holy Chair has the power to appoint, transfer and removed from Office by the Bishop. Bishop's title is awarded only to clerics who are citizens of the Republic of Latvia. Before the publication of the notice of the appointment of a diocesan bishop, Holy Chair informally and confidentially inform the President of the Republic of Latvia. 6. Article 1. Republic of Latvia guarantees the inviolability of all places of worship that should not be used for other purposes without the prior consent of the competent officials of the Church. 2. at the request of the competent officials of the Church in State and local government authorities, officials or their representatives can intervene in cases of extreme necessity, when there is a serious threat to public order, or directly, to avoid serious injury to persons or especially valuable historical or art. Such a requirement may be imposed in exceptional circumstances that require immediate intervention to limit the threat to public policy, as well as damage to people or property. Article 7 the secret of the confessional, the sacrament is considered inviolable. No one, and does not in any event be questioning Catholic priest in matters related to the secrecy of the confessional, even if the priest is a witness or participant in national court proceedings. 8. Article 1 of the canonical celebration of marriage marriage creates a law of the Republic of Latvia to the civil consequences, if only between the Contracting Parties, there are no obstacles and the civil law have been fulfilled by the Republic of Latvia regulatory requirements. 2. the Type and time of canonical marriage is to register with the competent national or municipal authority is defined in the laws of the Republic of Latvia. Article 9 subject to the laws of the Republic of Latvia and in the light of the legal pastorālo of the Catholic Church, the Church is granted: (a) access to the mass media and freedom of expression, including their public and media access to state media, in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia; (b) the opportunity for the faithful free to create and to express social, cultural or educational initiatives deriving from the principles of the Christian faith and the Catholic Church's social doctrine, in accordance with the principles of ekumenism; (c) access to hospitals, prisons, children's shelters and all the other social and medical institutions with which Catholic residence requires authorized representatives of the Catholic Church a one-time or permanent pastoral presence. Article 10 of the Republic of Latvia guarantees the Catholic Church property illegally seized the renewal of the law of the Republic of Latvia laws established by common agreement with the national authorities of the Latvian Bishops Conference. Chapter 2. Aglona sacred landscapes of article 11 1 of Aglona is a holy site. Latvian heritage and in this capacity it protects the Republic of Latvia in accordance with the existing laws. 2. Place area include the building of the Basilica, in front of the Basilica, the area of the cemetery and the area around the source and all the rest of the Catholic Church-owned buildings, structures and land. Article 12 1. taking into account the aglona sacred landscapes international status as a prayer, pilgrimage, and the different pastoral activities, and subject to the laws in force in the Republic of Latvia undertake the obligations: (a) recognize and respect the place of religious and historical importance; (b) to ensure public order measures referred to in article 13 of the Charter plan, as it is consistent with the local bishop or other Latvian Bishops Conference members; (c) to participate in the holy site maintenance costs in relation to national measures; (d) to exempt from taxes or give tax breaks in the cases provided for by law. 2. For its part, the Holy See granted aglona shrine "international sacred landscapes" status, as provided for in Canon law (see. 1231. and these canons). Article 13 every year before drawing up the draft budget of the country Catholic Church sent to the Cabinet for the next year of the plan, which could be a significant national. In agreement with local authorities, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted measures to ensure public order, the provision of medical and sanitary requirements. Part II. The Catholic Church and the educational institutions section 1. Catholic faith lessons teaching in schools in the Republic of Latvia article 14 recognizes parents and their legal representatives, but also in the cases provided for in the law itself baby, right to give children adequate training of the teaching of faith education faith lessons State and local schools, and Catholic Sunday school. The State guarantees this right to the Republic of Latvia law and binding international agreements. Article 15 the Catholic faith learning takes place only on the basis of the program approved by the Latvian Bishops Conference, in coordination with the Ministry of education and science, and only law of qualified educators who have Latvian Bishops Conference issued a certificate of qualification. If this certificate is cancelled, you will lose the right to teach the Catholic faith's teachings. Article 16 in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Latvia, the Catholic Church has the right to form the higher education institutions of religion teachers, which will give the State recognized diplomas. Article 17 of the Republic of Latvia, the national authorities and the Catholic Church, each of their respective competences, shall make every effort to teaching the Catholic faith education is carried out with appropriate academic and doctrinal expertise with the aim of promoting the ecumenical spirit, mutual respect between different religious creeds, and equality. Chapter 2. Catholic school article 18 1. Catholic the Church has the right to form and manage any level of school in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia and the canonical law. 2. Catholic school formation occurs at the request of the Latvian Bishops Conference, which represent the local Ordinārij. 3. Catholic schools, as well as higher education institutions comply with the laws of the Republic of Latvia contained general provisions relating to national education program on school performance and to nationally recognized educational service. 19. Article 1. Catholic schools are eligible to receive financial support in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia. 2. the officially recognized Catholic school teachers and other employees, as well as students and their parents have the same rights and obligations as the members state and local schools. Chapter 3. Riga spiritual workshop article 20 1. Spiritual Seminary is an institution of the Catholic Church in Latvia, which provides academic training for priesthood candidates and gives you the opportunity to study Catholic theology. 2. Spiritual seminars can obtain higher education institutions the status law. 3. Spiritual workshop diplomas and training courses that are consistent with national laws and regulations, will be considered valid and will be equivalent to the relevant national training institutions and diploma training courses. 4. within the framework of National Legislation guarantees economic aid to spiritual seminar in Riga as other equivalent institutions. Chapter 4. University of Latvia, Faculty of Catholic Theology article 21 the Catholic theological faculty at the University of Latvia, renewal in the future will be resolved in negotiations between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See. Chapter 5. The Catholic Church's cultural and artistic heritage article 22 1. The Catholic Church's cultural and artistic heritage is important to the national heritage of the Republic of Latvia. The Republic of Latvia and the Catholic Church, by mutual agreement, shall assume the obligation to provide maintenance and protection and make it available to the public, having regard to its storage security requirements and norms of international law limits. 2. In accordance with the law of the State with the Catholic Church in the Catholic Church's cultural and artistic heritage of the maintenance costs. Part III. Catholic spiritual care in the Republic of Latvia's national armed forces article 23 1. Holy See of the Catholic Church within the established military Ordinariāt that, on the basis of a specific memorandum of understanding between the Defence Ministry and the Latvian Bishops Conference, Catholic spiritual care in the Republic of Latvia's national armed forces. 2. this military Ordinariāt, which according to the Apostolic Constitution "Spiritual States of milit cura" is a canonical equivalent to the diocese, led by Bishop — the military Ordinārij. 24. Article 1. Military Ordinārij, which is a Latvian citizen, can simultaneously occupy diocesan bishop or palīgbīskap. 2. Military Ordinārij freely appointed by the Pope, and the appointment is notified in advance to the President of the Republic of Latvia. 25. Article 1. Republic of Latvia guarantees the Roman Catholic national armed forces members to receive suitable training and katehētisk participate in the Sunday and feast days of the Church in celebrācij euharistisk, provided that this does not hinder emergency military service obligations. 2. in accordance with the Canon law the military appoint ģenerālvikār and Ordinārij in cooperation with the competent national armed forces officials to determine the appropriate number of chaplains of the armed forces, which must be citizens of the Republic of Latvia and which may form part of the military Ordinariāt. They shall be recognised as equivalent to the Dean or vicar. Article 26 Riga Mental workshop students and religious congregation of novič are exempt from military service and may be assigned to civilian service, equivalent to mandatory military service. In the case of general mobilization follows students and novič are assigned to events that are not to be used for weapons. Article 27 in accordance with Canon law, the canonical jurisdiction of the military Ordinariāt contains the following persons: (a) the Latvian national armed forces Catholic military and civilian personnel; (b) members of their families, spouses and children, including pilngadīgo children, if they are Catholic and live together. 1. Article 28 of the chaplains and their assistants, canonical subject to military Ordinārij and subject to canonical rules, perform their pastoral services according to national armed forces officials issued regulations concerning the pastoral measure time and space, and other general conditions. 2. Military Ordinariāt will coordinate their activities with the Ministry of defence. Article 29 the Ministry of defence provides material assistance to military personnel of the pastoral Ordinariāt in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia, as well as the necessary financial and logistical support to its pastoral activities. Part IV. Catholic spiritual care in prisons of the Republic of Latvia article 30 1. in accordance with article 9 of this agreement, the "c" section, the Catholic Church has the right to make the Catholic spiritual care in prisons and in other similar compulsory custodial institutions. 2. in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia and the canonical norms competent authority provides inmates the right to proper mental care. Part v. Final provisions article 31 1. Republic of Latvia and the Holy See, by agreement and by using diplomatic means, resolve any doubts or difficulties that may arise in the interpretation or application of this agreement. 2. the specific aspects of this contract details will be regulated by specific documents of understanding between the competent authorities of the Republic of Latvia and the Catholic church institutions or officials. 32. Article If the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See considers it necessary to introduce amendments, taking into account the significant changes during the term of the contract, it duly launched negotiations of representatives of the Government of the Republic of Latvia, on the one hand, and the Apostolic Nuncio, on the other. Article 33 this contract shall be subject to ratification in accordance with the Republic of Latvia and the Holy Chair internal constitutional and procedural rules and shall enter into force on the date of exchange of instruments of ratification. Signed in 2000, on the eighth of November in two copies, each one Latvian and English; both texts are equally authentic. A different interpretation is decisive in the case of the text in English.

On behalf of the Republic of Latvia, on behalf of the Holy seat Erwin of Ingrid Labuck Josef Ender, Minister of Justice of the Apostolic Nuncio in the Baltic countries agreement BETWEEN the REPUBLIC OF Latvia AND the HOLY see-the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See, Considering that in 1922 a Concord you was signed between the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See, which, given the changes that have occurred at both the national and international levels , should be replaced by a new international Agreement now; Taking into considerations, on the part of the Republic of Latvia, the principles enshrined in its Constitution and in the International Convention to which it adher, and, on the part of the Holy See, the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the norms of Canon Law; Aware that an important part of the population of the Republic of Latvia of the Catholic Religion profess; Acknowledging the positive contributions of the Catholic Church within the Republic of Latvia to the religious and moral development, the social rehabilitation and reintegration of the Nation; Wishing to define the juridical status of the Catholic Church, it is collaboration in the regulat areas of education and culture and to promote in a stable and appropriate manner religious assistance to the Catholic members of the National Armed forces and to the Catholic being held in prison; have agreed the following by common accord: part i. the JURIDICAL status OF the CATHOLIC CHURCH Section 1. The juridical personality of the Catholic Church article 1-the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See recognize that both ut300r2u, within their proper sphere of competence, independent and autonomous. They reaffirm their respect for this principle with regards to the services by which each party, both individually and jointly, intends to promote the greater spiritual and material development of Latvian society. Article 2 1. -The Republic of Latvia recognizes the public juridical personality of the Catholic Church in the United States. 2. The institutions of the Catholic Church in the Republic of Latvia, which in accordanc with Canon Law have the status of juridical person, the publication shall also enjoy juridical personality in the civil law, according to the legislation of the Republic of Latvia. 3. The competent ecclesiastical authority may be — in accordanc with the canonical rules — to establish pertinen, modify, recognize ecclesiastical juridical persons and suppress publication. In the case that such changes should be affec the existing situation of the Catholic Church in the Republic of Latvia, they shall be communicated to the competent civilian authorities, in accordanc with the existing legislation of the Republic of Latvia. Article 3-the Republic of Latvia recognizes the right of the Catholic Church, of the juridical persons dependent upon it, and of individual Catholic to communicate freely and maintain contacts with the Holy See and the other ecclesiastical institutions recognised by Canon Law, including those outside the Country. Article 4 As regards freedom of religion, sanctioned by the legislation of the Republic of Latvia and the international agreements to which the Republic of Latvia has adhered to the Catholic Church in the Republic of Latvia, together with its communities and institutions, shall be guaranteed freedom to determin it for internal government, worship and to accomplish its mission through pastoral activities, including those of a social, educational and cultural nature. Article 5 the nomination, transfer and removal of bishops is the exclusive right of the Holy See. The Office of the Bishop shall be conferred only on priest who, with a Latvian citizen. Before the publication of the appointment of a diocesan Bishop, the Holy See will, out of courtesy and in confidence, the President of the Republic of Latvia. Article 6 1. -The Republic of Latvia guarantee inviolability of all of the places of worship which may not be used for other purpose without the prior agreement of the competent ecclesiastical authorities of the a. 2. At the request of the competent ecclesiastical authority, the civilian authorities or their representatives may interven in case of emergency, if public order is being gravely threatened, or in order to avoid grave harm to a person or damage to items of particular historical or artistic value. Such a request may be presumed "reasons should favour an immediate intervention, in order to limit danger to public order and damage to person or property. Article 7 the seal of the sacramen of confessions is recognised as inviolabl. Nobody may ever question a Catholic priest on matters connected with a confessional secret, even if that priest should appear as a witness or party before a civil tribunal. Article 8 1. From the moment of its celebration of the canonical marriage produces civil effects determined by the legislation of the Republic of Latvia, provided from civilian to exist between impediment to the contracting parties and the requisit foreseen by the law of of the Republic of Latvia have been fulfilled. 2. The way and the time within which a canonical marriage is to be registered with the competent authority determined by a civilian the law of the Republic of Latvia. Article 9 With respect to the law of the Republic of Latvia and in view of its undertaking, the pastoral legitimat the Catholic Church shall be guaranteed: (a) freedom of access to the media and freedom of speech, including the establishment of its own means of social communications and access to those of the State, in accordanc with the legislation of the Republic of Latvia; (b) freedom of association of the faithful, in order to promote the social, cultural or educational initiative-inspired by the principles of the Christian faith, the social doctrine of the Catholic Church and according to the principles of ecumenism; (c) access to hospitals, orphanages, prison and all other institutions of social or medical assistance, in which the presence of Catholic to the occasional or justif of permanent pastoral presence of the authorised representatives of the Catholic Church. Article 10-the Republic of Latvia to the Catholic Church of guarantee the restoration of the unlawfully alienated property, in accordanc with the legislation of the Republic of Latvia through a common accord between the competent State authorities and to the Bishops ' Conference of Latvia.  Section 2. The shrine of aglona article 11 1. The shrine of aglona is on of the cultural and historical heritage of the Republic of Latvia, and as such is protected under existing legal provision of Latvia. 2. Besides the building of the Basilica itself, the sacred square in front of the Basilica and the cemetery, the spring area, the territory protected within the shrine shall include all other building, structures and lands belonging to the Catholic Church. Article 12 1. In considerations of the international character of the shrine of aglona as a place for prayer, pilgrimages and various pastoral activities, and keeping in mind the existing legislation, the Republic of Latvia of assume the duty: (a) their recognis and respect the religious and historical character of the shrine; (b) to guarantee public order during the gathering included in the schedule of the events referred to in article 13, as agreed either with the local Bishop himself or with the other members of the Bishops ' Conference of Latvia; (c) to contribute towards the maintenance costs of the shrine in relations to events of national significanc; (d) to grant exemption from or reduction of the tax in the foreseen by the law of circumstanc. 2. For its part, the Holy See shall grant the aglona Shrine of the status of an "international shrine", as foreseen in Canon Law (cf. can. 1231 ff.) Article 13 Each year, before the State budget is drawn up, the Catholic Church shall provide the Minister with a Cabinet of plan of the events scheduled for the following year which could be of national significanc. In agreement with the local authorities, the Cabinet of the Minister shall be the measure of not adop cessary to meet the requirements of public order and the medical and sanitary needs.  Part II: the CATHOLIC CHURCH AND institutions OF EDUCATION Section 1. The teaching of the Catholic religion in schools article 14-the Republic of Latvia the right recognis of parents and their legal representatives, and, in the cases provided for by law, of the children themselves, their children for an adequat ensur is religious education in the institutes of education through religion classes in State and municipal schools, and the Catholic Sunday school. The State guarantee of this right within the terms established by law and the international treats to binding upon the Republic of Latvia. Article 15 the teaching of the Catholic religion shall be conducted exclusively on the basis of a programme approved by the Bishops ' Conference of Latvia, in agreement with the Ministry of Education and science, and shall be undertaken only by qualified teachers who posses a certificate of competence issued by the Bishops ' Conference of Latvia; the revocation of which would signif the immediate loss of the right to teach the Catholic religion. Article 16 In conformity with the legislation of the Republic of Latvia, the Catholic Church has the right to found institutions of higher formation for teachers of religion which will grant diplomas recognized civilly. Article 17 the State authorities of the Republic of Latvia and the Catholic Church will, each within its striv own competence, to ensur that the teaching of the Catholic religion in the educational establishment is undertaken with due academic and doctrinal competence, and with concern for the promotion of an ecumenical spirit, reciprocal respect between different religious confessions and equality for all. Section 2. Catholic School article 18 1. The Catholic Church has the right to establish and manage schools at every level, in conformity with the law of the Republic of Latvia and the norms of Canon Law. 2. The foundation of Catholic schools shall be requested by the Bishops ' Conference of the corporation acting on behalf of the latter of the local Ordinary. 3. Catholic schools, as well as institutions of higher formation, shall observe the law of the Republic of Latvia concerning the general rules relating to the of the national curriculum, their management and the granting of diplomas recognised civilly. Article 19 1. Catholic schools with the financial support of the entitled, in accordanc with the law of the Republic of Latvia. 2. Teachers and other employees in officially recognised Catholic schools, as well as students and their parents, shall enjoy the same rights and have the same obligations as their counterpart in State and local government schools.  Section 3. The Major Seminary of Riga article 20 1. The Major Seminary of Riga is an institution of the Catholic Church in the United States for the academic formation of ecclestiastic students and the study of catholic racial. 2. Recognition of the Major Seminary of Riga, as an institution of higher education will be granted by the State in accordanc with the law. 3. The diploma courses of study and of the Major Seminary of Riga-which conform to civil law and regulations, will be considered valid and equivalent to those of the educational institutions of the State. 4. Within the framework of the law, the State will grant economic assistance to the Major Seminary of Riga it the same as it does to exten others equivalent Institute.  Section 4: the Faculty of Catholic Racial at the University of Latvia article 21 the Reinstatemen of the Faculty of Catholic University of Racial within the Corporation will be not negotiated in the future between the Holy See and the Government of the Republic of Latvia.  Section 5. The cultural and artistic heritage of the Catholic Church article 22 1. The cultural and artistic heritage of the Catholic Church is to be considered as an important part of the national heritage of the Republic of Latvia. -The Republic of Latvia and the Catholic Church, by common accord, assume the duty to ensur it for maintenance and care, and to make it accessible to the public, within the limits required for its safe custody and by international law. 2. In accordanc with the law, the State will share with the Catholic Church in meeting the cost of cultural and artistic heritage of the Catholic Church.  Part III. Religious assistance TO the CATHOLIC IN the NATIONAL ARMED FORCES OF the REPUBLIC OF Latvia article 23 1. The Holy See shall establish within the Catholic Church in the Republic of Latvia (a) Military Ordinarat in which, according to a special memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of defence and the Bishops ' Conference of Latvia, shall offer religious assistance to the Catholic is within the National Armed forces of the Republic of Latvia. 2. This Military Ordinariat, which is, according to the Apostolic Constitution "Spiritual States of milit cura", canonically equivalent to a dioces, will be headed by a Bishop Military Ordinary. Article 24 1. The Military Ordinary, who shall be a Latvian citizen, may at the same time hold the Office of a diocesan or auxiliary Bishops. 2. The Military Ordinary will be freely nominated by the Supreme Pontiff, and the President of the Republic of Latvia will be given prior notification of the appointment. Article 25 1. -The Republic of Latvia shall guarantee to the Catholic members of the National Armed forces, the possibility of receiving a catechetical instruction and adequat of participating in the Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday and on holidays of obligation, provided these do not conflict with official military duties. " 2. In conformity with canonical rules, the Military Ordinary will a Vicar General and nominat, in consultation with the competent authority within the National Armed forces, will an appropriate number of designat Military Chaplain of Latvian citizenship, who may be incardinated in the Military Ordinariat. They will be considered equivalent to a parish priest or an Assistant parish priest. Article 26 students of the Major Seminary of Riga and novices of religious congregations shall be exempted from military service and may be assigned to a community service equivalent the obligatory military service. In times of general mobilizations, such students and novices will be assigned to the operations which do not involv the use of weapon. Article 27 According to canonical rules, those falling under the jurisdiction of the Military Ordinariat with the following: (a) military and civilian personnel of the Catholic National Armed forces of the Republic of Latvia; (b) the members of their families: the spouse and children, including adult children, if they are Catholic and form on of the same household. Article 28 1. Chaplains and their assistants, subject to the canonical authority of the Military Ordinary, shall exercise their pastoral service in accordanc with the regulations concerning the times and places for pastoral activities and other general conditions issued by the authorities of the National Armed forces. 2. The Military Ordinariat in IR co-ordinat it for activities with the Ministry of defence. Article 29 the Ministry of defence will provide material assistance to the personnel of the Military Ordinariat, in accordanc with the legislation of the Republic of Latvia, as well as the logistical arrangements for cessary pastoral activities.  Part IV. Religious assistance TO the CATHOLIC FAITHFUL IN the PRISON OF the REPUBLIC OF Latvia article 30 1. In conformity with the article 9 (c) of the present agreement, the Catholic Church has the rights to offer religious assistance to Catholic in prison and other similar institutions of lawful detention. 2. In accordanc with the law of the Republic of Latvia and the norms of Canon Law, the competent authority shall guarantee the prisoner the right to appropriate religious assistance.  V. FINAL PROVISION article 31 1. -The Republic of Latvia and the Holy See shall resolve by common accord and through diplomatic means every doubt or difficulty which may «arise in the interpretation or application of the present agreement. 2. The details of certain specific aspects of this agreement will be regulated by special documents of understanding between the competent authorities of the Republic of Latvia and the those of the Catholic Church. Article 32 Ifs-the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See were to judge certain modifications to be not cessary, on the account of some significant changes in the prevailing at the time of circumstanc of this agreement, shall be duly initiated the negotiation by representatives of the Latvian Government on the one hand and the other on the Apostolic the Nunci. Article 33 the present agreement is subject to ratification according to the constitutional and procedural rules of proper-the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See, and shall enter into force on the date of the exchange of the instruments of ratification. Signed on eight November 2000, in duplicate in the Latvian and English, both texts being equally authentic. In the case of a different interpretation, the English text shall prevails.

On behalf of the Republic of Latvia On behalf of the Holy See Ingrid Erwin Joseph Ender Labuck Minister of Justice in the Apostolic Nunci Baltic States