“Today everyone’s eyes are fixed on Ukraine in admiration for your courage, your longing for freedom, your desire to preserve the spirit of the Ukrainian land and the sanctity of its borders,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Thursday, 12 February, during her official visit to Ukraine at the opening of the concert of the Latvian Radio Choir and the Chamber Orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga held at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine in honour of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Speaker will address the audience in the Ukrainian language.

“These are hard times for the Ukrainian people. Evil has raised its head and is ravaging Ukraine. However, there always comes a time when the aggressor is held accountable for his wrongdoings,” said the Speaker of the Saeima and emphasised that these are moments when national will, unity, commitment to the ideals of freedom and human dignity are put to the test. Concurrently, Ināra Mūrniece noted that such moments are also full of hope.

In her address, the Speaker of the Saeima indicated that heroes have sacrificed their lives and their health; innocent civilians have died, lost their shelter and their beloved place under the sun; people have been sharing bread and compassion amongst themselves. „Ukrainians have once again demonstrated their strength and nobility. However, not all hope is lost,” said Speaker Mūrniece, reaffirming that Latvia is with the Ukrainian nation.

From 12 to 14 February, the Speaker of the Saeima is on an official visit to Ukraine. In Kiev, Speaker Mūrniece is scheduled to meet with Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine, and Volodymyr Groysman, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. It is expected that during her visit the Speaker of the Saeima will lay flowers at the Maidan Nezalezhnosti, visit the Holodomor Genocide Memorial, tour the Ivan Honchar Museum, as well as meet with the OSCE observers from Latvia and take part in the ceremonial opening of the renovated premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Ukraine.

On her visit, the Speaker of the Saeima is accompanied by Lolita Čigāne, Chairperson of the European Affairs Committee; Rihards Kols, Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee; as well as Ainārs Mežulis, Head of the Saeima group for interparliamentary relations with Ukraine. 

Full text of speech: https://www.saeima.lv/en/news/saeima-news/23096-address-by-inara-murniece-speaker-of-the-saeima-at-the-opening-of-the-concert-of-the-latvian-radio-c

Saeima Press Service