By hosting the Third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, Latvia assumes a leading role in bolstering international support for Ukraine. At both the parliamentary and national levels, we reaffirm Latvia's comprehensive and steadfast commitment to the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity while simultaneously pursuing an active and responsible foreign policy that underscores Latvia's perspective on the security challenges facing the global community. This sentiment is articulated by the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa, in anticipation of the Parliamentary Summit to be held in Riga on 24 October.
“The non-recognition of the occupation of the Baltic States was pursued with the same persistence for decades. Today, we must continuously and resolutely assert that Crimea is Ukraine, that Russia's attempts to alter borders through military force are illegal, and that the crimes committed by Russia will not be swept under the carpet. They will be prosecuted, and accountability will be ensured,” emphasises the Speaker of the Saeima.
By organising the Summit, Latvia demonstrates its unwavering support for Ukraine and the legitimacy of its right to self-defence, consistently emphasising Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the international stage. Latvia highlights the crimes committed against the Ukrainian people and the necessity of holding Russia accountable, thereby reinforcing the international law-based order. The Chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, extended an invitation to the Saeima to co-organise the summit during a delegation visit to Kyiv in January of this year.
“This war was initiated in 2014 by Russia with the occupation of Crimea, which rightfully belongs to Ukraine. Unfortunately, over the past decade, Russia's bloodlust has only intensified. The impunity for crimes committed on Ukrainian soil has contributed to this situation. This impunity continues to fuel aggression, and the horrific war continues to escalate,” emphasises Stefanchuk, expressing his conviction that together we will be able to find solutions that will help restore a just peace and hold accountable those who have grossly violated it.
So far, the participation in the summit has been confirmed by the delegations of the Parliaments of Albania, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Most parliaments will be represented at the summit at the level of the speakers.
Delegations from the Parliamentary Assemblies of international organisations – the European Parliament, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and NATO – are also expected to participate in the Summit.
The International Crimea Platform was established in 2021 as a format for coordination and consultation at the level of states and governments, parliaments, foreign ministers, and experts. It was established to raise awareness among world leaders and the wider public of the temporary occupation and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, its negative impact on the human rights of local populations, security in the Black Sea region, global food security, and the rules-based global order.
Previously, parliamentary summits of the Crimea Platform have taken place in Zagreb and Prague, bringing together parliamentarians from various countries and international parliamentary organisations.
For more information, please visit the Summit website: www.crimea-platform-riga.lv/
For media consideration:
Today is the last day for media representatives to apply for a special accreditation for the event by completing the application form: https://crimea-platform-riga.lv/media-acc-form/
The accreditation will provide access to the venue, the media centre of the Summit and a series of side events related to the Summit.
Saeima Press Service
