A statement released by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the wake of an American-Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent counter-attacks by Iran on other Middle Eastern countries recommends that Latvians in the conflict zone follow the advice of whichever country they happen to be in.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Latvian nationals in the region to follow the guidance of host countries and take all necessary precautions for their safety,” said the statement.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže said: “Latvia is carefully monitoring the unfolding events in the Middle East and maintains regular contact with its embassies, EU Member States and other countries.”
She added that she had spoken with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Ayman Al Safadi.
“Latvia urges all parties to show restraint, ensure the protection of civilians, and prevent the situation from escalating further. Stability in the region is essential for global security,” said Braže.
The statement also contained lengthy criticism of Iran as “a repressive regime that oppresses its own people” but offered no comment on the legality or otherwise of the Israeli-American strikes under international law.
Latvia is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and upon taking up this position on January 1st pledged to “speak out more loudly” on several core issues including “respect for international law” and “the rules-based international order in accordance with the UN Charter.”
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Saturday (which you can watch in the video above), Latvia’s UN Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes said Iran had violated numerous UNSC resolutions and indulged in “aggressive behaviour” over a period of decades.
“While international law must be respected at all times, the Iranian regime has continuously ignored its responsibilities and binding commitments,” said Pavļuta-Deslandes. She said Latvia condemned Iran’s “unprovoked strikes in the region” and called for “an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent de-escalation”.
“We call on all sides to protect civilians and avoid further escalation,” she said, without mentioning Israel or the United States by name.
In November, Latvia will hold the presidency of the UN Security Council, giving it the opportunity to set the Security Council’s agenda and promote issues that are important to it in accordance with the priorities set by the UN Security Council.
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