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On Monday, 12 December, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, addressed the 11th Meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. “We live in a time of military conflicts, hybrid warfare, terrorism, extremism, and violence. We need to devote maximum effort to eliminate the causes of international conflicts and prevent new ones from arising. International conflicts can only be resolved through common understanding and joint action,” said Speaker Mūrniece.
Speaker Mūrniece addressed the conference in the panel devoted to joint action for peace and security in today’s turbulent world. The Speaker of the Saeima placed a special focus on human rights and warfare in Ukraine.
“Our rules-based international order has been undermined by those who disregard the fundamental principles of peace, inviolability of sovereign borders and human life. As we continue to witness Russia’ illegal annexation of Crimea, I confirm our strong and unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity,” the Speaker of the Saeima said and recalled the recently adopted United Nations resolution on the deterioration of human rights situation in Crimea.
“Conflicts are especially hard on women and children. I have met with women and children from war-torn regions on several occasions. I am proud of their courage and patriotism. Ukrainian children, having witnessed the horrors of war, come to Latvia to enjoy peace and their childhood. This experience only heightens the wish for a world without war,” the Speaker of the Saeima emphasised.
Speaker Mūrniece also remarked that international organisations such as the UN and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) play an increasingly important role in addressing the escalating security challenges in the world. The Speaker of the Saeima noted that an important task of OSCE is to observe the situation in the warzone, including the fulfilment of the Minsk Agreements. This is cause for concern. The fact that observers do not have access to the whole territory of Ukraine, including the border area between Ukraine and Russia, presents fertile soil for speculation and propaganda hindering the resolution of the conflict.
An important aspect of peace and wellbeing is the participation of women in political and economic processes. In this regard the UN Security Council Resolution No.1325 on Women, Peace and Security plays a crucial role, Speaker Mūrniece said.
Saeima Press Service