“The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, at the initiative of the Latvian delegation, has included geopolitically important points in the closing declaration of the session, recognising Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism,” emphasised Rihards Kols, Head of the Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA).

“The Vancouver Declaration of the OSCE PA recognises the mercenary group Wagner as a terrorist organisation and, on the basis of the Russian President’s own public statements on the financing of the Wagner Group, the declaration also includes an article defining Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism,” said Kols.

The declaration strongly condemns Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and distinctly encourages OSCE member states to use the solutions and mechanisms available to them to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes and genocide against the Ukrainian people, as well as to support the establishment of a special international tribunal, said Kols.

According to the Head of the Latvian delegation, this is a critical time for the OSCE PA, especially as Russia continues the illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. “The Assembly must be united regarding the core principles of Helsinki and the international rule of law, freedom and democracy, and must primarily stand for these internationally and universally shared values,” said Kols.

The 30^th annual session of the OSCE PA was held in Vancouver, Canada. The Latvian delegation to the OSCE PA was represented by its Head Rihards Kols and permanent representatives Ingrīda Circene and Lauris Lizbovskis.

The main item of the agenda was Russia’s war against Ukraine and the related political, security and humanitarian consequences. The session also addressed the issues of regional security and strengthening it, as well as the role of the OSCE PA in building democratic and inclusive societies. At the end of the session, a declaration containing a series of recommendations to national governments, parliaments, and the international community was adopted.

The OSCE PA is the parliamentary dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, whose main task is to promote interparliamentary dialogue in order to contribute to the organisation’s objectives of comprehensive security. The organisation is composed of 57 member states.

Saeima Press Service