Latvia amends laws for phasing in euro

[January 31, 2013]  RIGA, Latvia (AP) -- Latvian lawmakers have passed a law necessary for adopting the euro in January 2014 despite widespread opposition to the country's adoption of the troubled European single currency.

The law represents a final legal obstacle before Latvia formally asks to become the 18th European Union country that uses the euro, a step expected next month.

A small group of protesters gathered outside Parliament on Thursday to heckle lawmakers as they headed to vote.

Recent polls suggest a majority of Latvians are against adopting the euro in light of the debt crisis that has afflicted the eurozone for over three years and fears that the Baltic country will have to help bail out struggling countries.

Many are demanding a referendum, but the center-right government says it won't hold a separate vote.

[Associated Press]

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