Ojārs Kalniņš, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima, applauds the decision of Daniels Pavļuts, Minister for Economics, to suspend consideration of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) in the Saeima. The Chairman emphasised that comprehensive discussions have to be conducted before ACTA is ratified.

“I am truly pleased that in the discussions organised by the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Human Rights Committee of the Saeima the public’s concerns about potential threats to internet users’ privacy resulting from ACTA have been taken into account,” Kalniņš said.

In response to major concerns voiced by the public about Latvia’s intention to join ACTA, the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee of the Saeima organised topical discussions with experts and members of the public before the Agreement is submitted to the Saeima.

“The discussions revealed that the public is confused and concerned about the contents of ACTA and its potential threats to fundamental freedoms,” said the Chairman.

“Therefore, we should not rush into ratifying ACTA. First, we have to answer the questions posed by the public and conduct comprehensive discussions about this important Agreement. Even if the concerns of the public are unfounded, they have to be addressed appropriately,” Kalniņš concluded.

Saeima Press Service