Latvian Foreign Minister underlines the importance of mediation in zones of conflict

  • 2019-09-27
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - On Thursday, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics addressed the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Group of Friends of Mediation at the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly, which focused on questions of mediation in conflict zones. This year’s theme was “New Technologies for Peace and Mediation as Tools for Inclusion”, the Foreign Ministry informs.

Addressing those gathered, the Latvian Foreign Minister expressed support for the goals of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation in continuing the promotion of mediation and development on a national, regional and international level. “We highly appreciate the mediation efforts conducted by the United Nations, and we commend the UN Secretary-General for prioritizing conflict prevention and mediation. On a practical level, Latvia will be involved in fostering dialogue and in prevention of the escalation of conflicts. For example, Latvia will be participating with civilian experts in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia. We also contribute to the UN Mission in Mali.”

The Latvian Foreign Minister drew attention to the growing role of new technologies as tools for inclusion in peace and mediation efforts. Despite the fact that disinformation and hate speech have spread throughout the world, information and communications technologies have had a positive impact on spread of democratic ideas and information.

Digital tools and new technologies are helpful as instruments in facilitating peace and in processes of mediation, he added.

This year, Latvia has joined the United Nations Group of Friends of Mediation, that is led by Finland and Turkey. The UN Group of Friends of Mediation through mediation assistance help promote the peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as the prevention and resolution of conflicts on a global level while at the same time generating support for the development of mediation. The Meditation Group consists of 51 countries and 8 international organisations including the United Nations, the ministry informs.