Parliament adopts support statement

Aug 15, 2008
In cooperation with BNS

RIGA - The Latvian parliament on Thursday's extraordinary meeting adopted a statement "On Russia's Military Attack on Georgia", condemning Russia's military attack on Georgia, expressing condolences to relatives of the victims of the conflict and calling on international organizations to take active part in regulating the conflict to help Georgia to deal with consequences of the war.

Lawmakers supported all the amendments to the text of the statement proposed by the foreign committee. The statement was adopted in the second reading by 64 votes to four, with one abstention.

By adopting the statement, the parliament says that Latvia is following the latest events in Georgia and condemns Russia's military assault. "The Latvian parliament believes that Russia has breached sovereignty and state inviolability of Georgia by launching military attacks against Georgia's civil and military objects. This action arouses concern of the security, territorial inviolability and independence of every neighbor state of Russia," said the statement.

The statement adds that the Russian peace-keeping mission in Georgia had been unsuccessful, border conflicts had not been solved, furthermore, inadequate military action had been provoked, resulting in civilian casualties and seriously damaging infrastructure of Georgia.

"By launching hostilities against Georgia, Russia, being a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has breached its international liabilities, interpreting its peace-keeping mission's tasks unilaterally and widely and has discredited itself as a peace-keeper in the region", said the statement.

The statement also notes that Russia by using military power in Georgia has created a dangerous precedent in international relations.

The Latvian parliament calls on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from the Georgian territory, both countries to cease military actions, resume negotiations, and ensure international community a possibility to assess the situation, provide medical and humanitarian assistance to victims, refugees and deported people.

At an evening rally the same day, Georgian Ambassador Konstantin Korkelia met with supporters and thanked them, opting to speak English rather than Russian.

“Your support means a lot to Georgia and its people will never forget it.” He said, “Know that if Latvia was ever in the same situation we would help in everyway we can, though I hope we will never have to.”

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