Latvia celebrates re-independence declaration

Latvia celebrated the 24th anniversary of the declaration of the Renewal of Independence of the Republic of Latvia on Sunday, May 4, reports LETA.

On May 4, 1990, the majority of Supreme Council deputies adopted the declaration "On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia" and set a period of transition to de facto independence until the first session of the fifth Saeima.

On the same day, Supreme Council Chairman Anatolijs Gorbunovs sent a letter to Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, informing him about Latvia's transition to de facto independence. Similar letters were sent to other governments, Soviet nations and democratic movements.

Celebrations on Sunday were held throughout the country. In Riga, participants and speakers at events included Saeima Speaker Solvita Aboltina, President Andris Berzins and former presidents, ministers, Supreme Council deputies - those who voted for the restoration of Latvia's independence - foreign diplomats and international organization leaders.