Opposition MP believes Latvia should not accept its refugee quota due to disease and terrorism

  • 2015-07-09
  • From wire reports and TBT staff, RIGA

According to Latvian opposition MP, Martins Bondars, disease and terrorism are some of the risks the country Latvia could  face should it take in its quote of refugees affected by the Mediterranean Crisis. 

A member of the opposing Latvian Bloc of Regions (LRA) party, Bondars gave an interview to state television on July 9, 2015, stating he feels the government's actions regarding the refugee issue have been quite contradictory of recent. 

As examples, Bondars pointed to the recent announcement announcements made by the Latvian government, which initially stated it would take in no refugees at all, to its recent decision on July 6 to resettle some 250 migrants. 

"Latvia's society has the right to be informed about the risks and plans related to the refugee issue," Bondars said.

Outlining what he views as risks, he said some of the refugees might be linked to various terrorist organisations, including Islamic State. He added refugees from North Africa could also be carrying diseases such as Ebola.

The Latvian parliament presidium called an extraordinary parliamentary session on July 9 2015, in which the government has to explain to lawmakers its plan to admit 250 refugees to Latvia.

Latvia’s MPs are planning to adopt a draft resolution ordering the Cabinet of Ministers to submit a detailed report on the admission of refugees from Africa and other affected regions by July 13.

They will also submit an action plan for the refugees' accommodation and integration, and will have to clarify how the refugees' admission and accommodation will be financed over the period of next three years.

The draft resolution also calls for an extraordinary parliament session on July 14, which would see Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma have to report on the re-settlement of refugees from Africa and other affected countries. 

The extraordinary parliament session on the refugee issue was called by the initiative of the opposition party, the Latvian Bloc of Regions (LRA). 

It has received backed by other opposition parties - For Latvia from the Heart (NSL) and Harmony.