Decision on boycott of Paris Olympics should be taken timely - Silina

RIGA - The decision on a possible boycott of the Paris Olympics should not be taken in the last 24 hours before the opening of the Games, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) said in an interview with Latvian Radio.

She believes that if Russian and Belarusian athletes are also allowed to compete at the Paris Olympics, the decision to boycott should be taken jointly by several countries. Latvia has already expressed its stance on this issue, the prime minister noted.

Asked if it would be acceptable to take the decision in the last 24 hours before the opening of the Games, Silina said that this would not be fair to the athletes, for whom participation in the Games means additional expenses and planning.

"Such a decision should be made sooner, but we are in contact with the Ukrainians and we are still in the process of such negotiations," the prime minister added, recalling that Latvia has already expressed its position on this issue.

As reported, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to allow athletes from the aggressor countries Russia and Belarus, to participate in the Paris Olympics in a neutral status, but Latvia wants to ensure that athletes from these countries are denied participation in the Olympics altogether. Several Latvian athletes have announced that they will not compete in the Olympics with athletes from the aggressor countries.

Latvia has not yet decided how to proceed if the IOC does not reverse its decision, but Ukraine's position on the matter is awaited before a final decision is taken.