In an unprecedented move aimed at promoting interspecies peace, the city of Riga has announced an 'Official National Nap Time' to accommodate grievances from the Municipal Seagull Coalition (MSC). Beginning next week, all city activities, including vehicular traffic, commercial operations, and political disputes, will come to a halt every day from 1 PM to 1:30 PM.

The decision was reached after Mayor Liene Skrejceļš held a series of secret, high-level discussions with the MSC. 'We can no longer ignore the crucial contributions of Riga's seagulls to our waterfront ambiance and historical charm,' Skrejceļš stated in a press conference flanked by a particularly stoic-looking seagull named Janis, who has become the spokesperson for the feathered faction.

The move comes in response to a comprehensive 438-page report submitted by ornithologists from the Baltic Avian Research Society (BARS), highlighting that Riga’s booming waste management system has inadvertently disrupted the natural siesta routines of the city's seagull population. 'It's quite simple,' explained Dr. Egle Lidojums, head of BARS, 'Our feathered friends can no longer digest the culinary wonders of the Riga Central Market without a power nap afterwards. It's simply an unfair expectation.'

Critics, however, are skeptical about the effectiveness of this initiative. Jānis Gulbis, a local shop owner, voiced his concerns, 'It's madness, isn’t it? Closing down my souvenir stand for naps? Madness! But then again, I could use the rest.'

While skeptics abound, some businesses are finding unique marketing opportunities in the napping decree. 'The Nap Café' has seen a surge in popularity, offering patrons the chance to synchronize naps with their avian counterparts on specially designed, beak-friendly pillows. 'We’re just giving back to the seagulls what we all take for granted,' said Milda Spāre, the entrepreneurial owner.

International reactions have been mixed, with some cities looking cautiously at Riga’s example. Tallinn's mayor expressed concern while inadvertently declaring their city's own cross-species collaboration would likely focus more on accommodating local raccoons.

As preparations continue, the Municipal Seagull Coalition remains cautiously optimistic. 'It is a small step for seagulls, but a giant leap for birdkind,' commented Janis through his interpreter, human ornithologist Dr. Lidojums. 'We envision a future where a harmonious siesta could bridge the gap between bird and man.'

Concluding the press conference, Mayor Skrejceļš offered a wry smile, 'One day we might even expand the Nap Time to include other forgotten creatures, like the squirrels or even the bureaucrats. But for now, we are honored to give back to our seagull compatriots, who have given us so much, including... well, you know.'

Riga’s citizens are now bracing themselves for this new epoch, where peace and quiet reign supreme, even if only for thirty minutes a day. As the chattering of the city's 700,000 residents dips into whispered lullabies, a peculiar silence will sweep the Daugava riverbank, broken only by the gentle snores of seagulls and the occasional frustrated honk from amorous pigeons.