On Thursday, 30 August, the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee issued a statement regarding Ukranian filmmaker Oleg Sencov. The Foreign Affairs Committee condemns the unlawful detention of Mr. Sencov who was apprehended in the jurisdiction of illegally-annexed Crimea in violation of international law. The committee also believes that the trial and conviction of Mr. Sencov are illegal and politically motivated. In its statement, the Foreign Affairs Committee urges the Russian Federation to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Oleg Sencov and other unjustly imprisoned Ukrainians.

“Security and defence are the main priorities of the Baltic and Nordic countries. In order for us to deter Russia from aggression, we must continuously strengthen the defence capabilities of our countries, while maintaining close cooperation with NATO, the EU, within the Baltic and Nordic region,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, during the annual meeting of the Baltic and Nordic (NB8) Speakers in Reykjavik, on Thursday, 19 July.

During Latvia’s Centenary XXVI Nationwide Latvian Song and XVI Dance Festival parliamentarians from several countries will be visiting Latvia.

“A strong network of honorary consulates provides critical support to Latvia. Your assistance is crucial when our people find themselves in crisis and emergency situations in your countries of residence”, said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Monday, 2 June, while welcoming Latvia’s honorary consuls currently in Latvia.

On Thursday, 21 June, the Saeima adopted as urgent in the final reading amendments to the Law on International Sanctions and National Sanctions of the Republic of Latvia, which improve regulations pertaining to sanction regimes to efficiently levy and execute national and international sanctions.

On Thursday, 21 June, the Saeima in the third reading adopted amendments to the Immigration Law. According to the amendments, foreign students, researchers and their host institutions, such as educational establishments and research institutes, will benefit from simplified administrative procedures.

On Thursday, 21 June, the Saeima adopted as urgent in the final reading amendments to the Law on Holidays, Remembrance Days and Days to be Marked making the day of His Holiness Pope Francis’ to  visit Latvia, 24 September 2018, a holiday. 

“We are grateful to Slovakia for its contribution to the security of Latvia and the Baltic region. We are extremely happy that Slovak troops will join the NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group in Latvia this July. Your participation in the NATO battle group reaffirms the Alliance’s unwavering commitment to the strengthening of security in our region,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima during the meeting with Andrej Danko, Speaker of the Slovak parliament (the National Council), on Tuesday, 12 June.

Upon welcoming the King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, to the Saeima on Monday, 11 June, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, expressed her appreciation for the friendly ties, active political dialogue and economic cooperation between Latvia and the Netherlands. She also underlined the symbolic timing of His Majesty’s visit, as it coincides with Latvia’s centenary celebrations.