Germany, 20 years after

Is there any East or West Germany identity? Or only one, with the same problems? A recent study, about perceptions of democracy and of the way it turned 20 years ago. (in German)

OSCE minorities commissioner discusses amendments to Slovakia's language law

THE HAGUE, 22 July, OSCE

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Knut Vollebaek, received delegations from Slovakia (on 21 July) and Hungary (on 22 July) to discuss the amendments to the "Law on the State Language of the Slovak Republic".Vollebaek heard the views of the two sides and in confidence shared his opinion and recommendations on the proposed amendments with the two delegations.He said he would continue to remain engaged in the matter with a view to providing a possible venue for the two sides to address matters of mutual concern in a way that promotes both interests of minority communities and enhances friendly relations between the two countries.

The High Commissioner on National Minorities, created in 1992, is a unique OSCE institution with a mandate to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States.

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: http://www.osce.org/item/38979.html

Obituary

Leszek Kolakowski

How extended was the Stasi network in DDR?

Questions and relative answers - Die Zeit (German)
Also in Die Zeit - Liebe Ossiversteher

OSCE Kosovo Mission helps sustain Bosnian-language education

An OSCE report.

Richard P. Feynman, on scientific freedom and responsibility

"I can live with doubt and uncertainty. I think it's much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong"

He proclaimed himself as being an "utter ignoramus about politics" but realized how important the science could be in promoting democracy and human rights:

"I feel a responsibility as a scientist who knows the great value of a satisfactory philosophy of ignorance, and the progress made possible by such a philosophy, progress which is the fruit of freedom of thought...to proclaim the value of this freedom and to teach that doubt is not to be feared, but it is to be welcomed as the possibility of a new potential for human beings. If you know that you are not sure, have a chance to immprove the situation. I want to demand this freedom for future generations".

Richard P.Feynman, Don't you have time to think?