"When we used to talk about freedom, sovereignty and democracy, we took it as self-evident concepts. Now these words and their essence have a completely different meaning. War has entered the European continent. At this dangerous time, coordinated action and support for Ukraine is particularly important," stressed Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Friday, 4 March, during a video conference meeting with the Speakers of the Baltic and Nordic (NB8) Parliaments to discuss the current security situation in the region and the provision of support to Ukraine, which resists Russia’s military aggression and large-scale invasion.
“Although missiles have not been targeted against us and there is no danger to the physical existence of our inhabitants, we cannot talk about life in peace,” said Speaker Mūrniece. The democratic world is united, condemning the Russian war against Ukraine. Russia must be forced to cease hostilities. Importantly, the blatant propaganda and open lies coming from Putin’s Russian side can no longer reach a wide audience beyond its borders, added Mūrniece.
The speakers of the NB8 national parliaments are united in strongly condemning Russia’s aggression. They exchanged information on the support of each national parliament and government to Ukraine and agreed that Russia should continue to be subject to comprehensive sanctions. The speakers also stressed that strong sanctions should also be imposed on Belarus, given its involvement in the full-scale Russian hostilities against Ukraine.
The participants of the meeting were united in supporting Ukraine, stressing the deep solidarity of the Baltic and Nordic societies with Ukrainian people.
The speakers also discussed Ukraine’s application for accession to the European Union. Mūrniece informed colleagues from the NB8 countries that the Saeima supported granting the status of candidate country to Ukraine, and unanimously adopted a statement on it yesterday. The Saeima has also adopted amendments to the laws, which now allow Latvian citizens to serve on the Ukrainian side, as well as a special law in support of Ukrainian civilians.
Saeima Press Service