RIGA, May 14 (LETA) - President Egils Levits has promulgated a law on dissolution of Dundaga Region Council.

The law will come into force tomorrow, May 15.

As reported, Saeima passed the bill on the council's dissolution in a fast-track procedure in two readings, held during one sitting on May 13.

The Dundaga council had been left without a chairman since January 28 due to squabbles among three regional parties represented on the local council. Environment Protection and Regional Development Minister Arturs Toms Pless (For Development) had warned the councilors that if they do not elect a new chairperson by April 26, he will initiate the council's dissolution.

On Thursday, Pless told the Saeima that the ministry had repeatedly reminded the Dundaga council about its duties and responsibilities, but the councilors explained that they did not see any point in nominating a candidate for the council's chairperson so shortly before local elections. The minister said that the councilors apparently did not realize their obligation to work in accordance with the law.

The Saeima passed the bill to dissolve Dundaga Region Council because it proved unable to function in line with the law and in the interests of the region's residents.

Environment Protection and Regional Development Ministry's leading expert Maris Sults was appointed the administrator at the Dundaga local council. Finance Ministry official Inta Komisare was appointed deputy head and Agriculture Ministry official Sintija Dumbrovska a member of the region's interim administration.

The interim administration of the Dundaga region will be performing the functions of local government, ensuring the continuity of its work. The head of the administration will be performing the functions of the regional mayor.

The interim administration will be running the Dundaga region until the new Talsi Region Council, which will include representatives of Dundaga, convenes for its first meeting after upcoming local elections.

LETA also reported, Environment Protection and Regional Development Minister Arturs Toms Pless (For Development) has decided to initiate dissolution of the Dundaga regional council.

Since the Dundaga council has proven unable to elect a chairperson and vice-chair and has suggested in its reply to the ministry that it will make no further attempts to elect its leadership, the Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry will submit to the government a bill to dissolve the Dundaga council, Pless informed.