Latvian language tests for Russians who wish to reside in the Baltic country on a long-term basis are constitutional, a top court has ruled. In its judgement, the Constitutional Court said that the requirement to prove everyday knowledge of the Latvian language in order to obtain a new permanent residence permit was not an undue burden. Court President Aldis Lavins on Thursday called the language provision a “simple sign of a foreigner’s respect for the country, society and culture of Latvia.” Under a rule that went into effect on September 1, anyone who has a Russian passport and wishes to co…