Joint Baltic statement on Georgian situation

Declaration of Presidents of Parliaments of the Baltic States

With deep concern and anxiety, we are observing the events in Georgiawhich at this moment is under intensive attacks by the army of the Russian Federation.

We are calling on theinternational community to decisively condemn actions of Russia and topromptly take all necessary steps to stop the war and bring the partiesto the negotiation table.

Justification ofRussia's actions in Georgia by the need to protect its citizens isunacceptable. Alleged reasons for taking up a war against Georgia raiseconcerns about the future in every state with Russian citizens livingon its territory.

We are concerned anddisappointed with the actions and behaviour of Russia, as an importantactor in the politics of the region and the whole world, which willinevitably have effect on further bilateral and multilateral relationswith this country. Russia's military aggression against anothersovereign state and actions contradicting the statements of its leadersraise serious doubts about the reliability and consistency of Russia asa partner.

Furthermore, we areconvinced that the response of the international community to Russia'saggression against Georgia is at the same time a test for Euro-Atlanticsecurity institutions of their reliability and solidarity. Therefore weare calling on our governments to discuss, in cooperation with NATO andEU partners, measures to prevent similar actions in future. NATO andthe EU must assume responsibility for the security and stability oftheir partners to demonstrate Russia's leadership it cannot do whateverit wants with its neighbours that share the values and principles ofthe Euro-Atlantic community.  

Russia's aggressionagainst Georgia must be stopped, with the help of coordinated actionsof the international community, immediately before all Georgianinfrastructure and economy is destroyed which would bring abouthumanitarian catastrophe with long-term consequences in the entireregion.

Ene Ergma, President of the Riigikogu of Estonia
Gundars Daudze, President of the Saeima of Latvia
Česlovas Juršėnas, President of the Seimas of Lithuania