Latvia applies to intervene as third party in Ukraine vs Russian Federation case at ICJ

RIGA - Latvia on Thursday submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) a declaration requesting leave to intervene as a third party in the case of "Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide" (Ukraine v. the Russian Federation), LETA was told at the Foreign Ministry. 

This is the first time Latvia has exercised its rights under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute to request leave to intervene as a third party in a case before the International ICJ, where the construction of the provisions of an international treaty to which Latvia is a State Party will be examined. 

By such a declaration, Latvia expresses its readiness to present its interpretation on several provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide that are invoked by Ukraine in its application to the ICJ of February 26, 2022 against the Russian Federation. 

According to the Foreign Ministry, Latvia is aiming to assist the ICJ in the administration of justice, and reaffirms its unwavering support to rules-based international order.

The decision on whether to permit Latvia to become a third party in the above case will be made by the ICJ after obtaining the views of the states parties to the dispute. 

If the ICJ allows Latvia to become a third party in the above case, Latvia will have the right to submit further and elaborated observations regarding the interpretation and application of the provisions of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide that are the subject of these proceedings.

As reported, Russia launched a massive military offense against Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Western countries have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. 

Latvia's State Security Service has also launched a criminal probe into the crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.