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Minority languages: experts to visit the Netherlands

A delegation of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages is to visit the Netherlands from 9 to 11 February 2004 to monitor the country's implementation of this treaty.

During its visits to Leeuwarden and The Hague, the delegation will meet representatives of the Frisian, Low-Saxon, Limburger and Sinti languages, including representatives of NGOs and of the media sector, as well as representatives of provincial authorities and of the national government.

On the basis of the information gathered, the Committee will prepare its evaluation report, if necessary proposing recommendations to be made by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to the Dutch authorities on how the Charter can be better implemented.

Pursuant to Article 16 paragraph 2 of the Charter, up to a month after the above-mentioned visit has taken place, i.e by 11 March 2004, bodies or associations legally established in the Netherlands will have the possibility to draw the attention of the Committee of Experts to matters relating to the undertakings entered into the Netherlands under Part III of the Charter and/or to submit written statements concerning the policy pursued by the Netherlands in accordance with Part II of the Charter.