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“Analysts have already called the speech delivered by Barrack Obama, President of the United States of America, in Tallinn yesterday the strongest since Ronald Reagan’s term in office. The emphasis on the Baltic States’ never being alone again, as well as the position of Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Secretary General of NATO, and the spirit of the Wales Summit give assurance for Latvia’s security,” Ojārs Ēriks Kalniņš, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said on Thursday, 4 September, after the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee during which its members discussed the events in Ukraine and the security situation in the region with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the meeting, Eduards Stiprais, Political Director and Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that although the development of Russia’s political system over the past 50 years has made Latvia’s situation somewhat more insecure, the steps taken by the European Union and NATO to guarantee the security of the Baltic States have made Latvia’s situation more secure than it has ever been since the restoration of its independence.

The Chairman of the Committee also emphasised: “At a time when the issue of security in the region is among top priorities on the EU agenda, I am truly gratified by the work done by our government and foreign service, including the drafting of Latvia’s national positions.” He also pointed out that Latvia’s allies listen to our opinion. “Considering our historical experience, the Baltic States have always viewed Russia with some degree of concern. Now that the steps Russia has taken have altered the security environment, the whole region is paying special attention to its actions,” said Ojārs Ēriks Kalniņš.

During the meeting, the Committee also discussed agenda of the Wales Summit, as well as further EU sanctions against Russia. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the members of the Committee about the latest developments in Ukraine.

Saeima Press Service