On Wednesday, 21 April, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima adopted a statement on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, condemning the significant Russian military build-up near the border between Russia and Ukraine and in the occupied Crimean peninsula, as well as the increased activity of armed militias in the self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk "people's republics," thus heightening security threats in the region.
"We strongly condemn Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine and the military occupation of Crimea, a Ukrainian territory, which constitutes a serious violation of international law. We call on the global democratic community to firmly stand for adherence to international law and democratic values in the entire international arena, and to support the international Crimean Platform established by the Ukrainian government and the non-governmental sector to fight for the de-occupation of Crimea,” emphasised Rihards Kols, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, with reference to the Statement.
In the Statement, MPs also condemn Russia's intention to close off the area of the Black Sea leading to the Kerch Strait, thus restricting Ukraine's right as a coastal state to access the Black Sea from its port cities of Mariupol and Berdyansk, located by the Sea of Azov. Additionally, MPs denounce Russia’s refusal to uphold the norms and principles of international law, disregarding the international community’s calls for restoring respect for international law.
In the Statement, the Foreign Affairs Committee reiterates its call for Russia to prevent the escalation of the armed conflict that endangers the security of Europe and all European countries.
As set out in the document, Members of Committee reaffirm the support of Latvia for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the consistent refusal to recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation.
The Statement expresses support for deeper Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine and readiness to support Ukraine in the on-going implementation of reforms.
MPs also urge the delegations representing the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia in international organisations to encourage the establishment of support groups for the international Crimean Platform.
Saeima Press Service