Russia's participation in Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference suspended

RIGA - Repeatedly condemning the completely unjust and full-scale brutal military attack and invasion being carried out by the Russia against the sovereignty, independence and people of Ukraine, the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) has suspended Russia from the conference.

BSPC delegation heads have decided to ensure the suspension of the Russian parliaments from the Annual Conference, the meetings of our working bodies, proceedings, work and projects of the BSPC until cooperation under the fundamental principles of international law will once again become possible.

BSPC Latvian delegation head Arvils Aseradens (New Unity) said that democratic values, the rule of law and human rights are the foundation of the parliamentary conference. "As these basic principles and goals are dramatically violated with unprovoked, brutal military attack and aggression by Russia against Ukraine, we do not see any way to continue our parliamentary cooperation with the Russian parliament.

The declaration says that day by day, the attacks on Ukraine are posing a more dangerous threat to peace, stability and democracy across Europe and the world. They defy the rights and freedoms of all Europeans, not just those of Ukrainian citizens. These attacks are contrary to both international law and European security. They violate the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the basic principles of International and Humanitarian Law.

On February 24, Russia unleashed a war in Ukraine, targeting not only military, but also residential areas, Belarusian army entered the territory of Ukraine on March 1. More than two million civilians have been forced to flee their home and country. Thousands have arrived in Latvia.