Latvian parliament rules out cooperation groups with Russia and Belarus

Latvia’s new parliament has formally ruled out setting up groups to promote cooperation with the Russian and Belarusian parliaments, LSM reported.

The decision was adopted on Tuesday and was the first resolution passed by the 15th Saeima after its first sitting. Two extraordinary sessions were called that evening to approve it.

Only lawmakers from Sovereign Power and the Association of New Latvians voted against the resolution. All members of the United List, the National Alliance, Latvia First, the Progressives and New Unity supported it.

The resolution says cooperation groups with Russia’s parliament are incompatible with international law, norms and democratic values until Russia ends its violations of international law against Ukraine, withdraws its armed forces from Ukrainian territory, restores Ukraine’s territorial integrity and fully compensates for the damage caused. It says similar conditions apply to Belarus.

The Saeima cited earlier statements on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, purported referendums in occupied territories, the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus, and the need to end Latvia’s economic cooperation with the aggressor states. It described Russia’s full-scale invasion as a gross violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and said Belarus shares responsibility for the aggression because it allowed its territory to be used for attacks on Ukraine.

The resolution also expresses solidarity with Ukraine and its people. The 14th Saeima adopted a similar decision soon after it convened.