Latvian Foreign Ministry promises response to Russia's decision to ban two Latvian citizens

RIGA - The decision of April 30 by the Russian Federation to deny entry into their country to Maris Baltins, Director of the National Language Centre, and Ivars Aboltins, Chair of the National Electronic Mass Media Council, is an attempt to exert pressure on Latvia concerning its national language and media policies, the Latvian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

"We consider this to be unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. The Foreign Service will not allow such action to pass unnoticed," the ministry said.

Latvia condemns Russia’s decision to ban entry for eight senior officials of European Union Member States and institutions to the Russian Federation.

As reported, Russia has barred entry to eight citizens and officials of the European Union, including Baltins and Aboltins from Latvia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.