"Russia must be held accountable for the suffering inflicted on Ukraine," said Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and Head of the Latvian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, on Monday, 21 August, during her remote participation in the international conference organised by Ukraine A Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Justice Must Be Served.

“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 Ukrainians are fighting for a free, strong, independent country and the future of their children. For Ukraine’s place within the European Union and NATO. This goal is the highest motivation for every Ukrainian soldier who currently fights for our common values and protects our borders,” the Speaker of the Saeima Edvards Smiltēns said after the meeting of the Speakers of the Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine held on Monday, 10 July. The Speaker of the Saeima emphasised that Ukraine has earned its place in NATO and the European Union family.

On Sunday, 9 July, Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met with Edvards Smiltēns, Speaker of the Saeima, and thanked the Latvian people for their strong support for Ukraine, including in its path to NATO, as well as for Latvia’s practical assistance.

On Saturday, 8 July, Edgars Rinkēvičs assumed the duties of the President and took the solemn oath: “I swear that all of my work will be dedicated to the welfare of the people of Latvia. I will do everything in my power to promote the prosperity of the Republic of Latvia and all who live here. I will hold sacred and will observe the Constitution of Latvia and the laws of the State. I will act justly towards all and will fulfil my duties conscientiously.”

On Wednesday, 28 June, the speakers of the parliaments of the Baltic States issued a joint statement saying: “We are convinced that ultimately Ukraine’s security in the long-run can be best guaranteed by the collective defence of NATO. We call on NATO leaders to start a substantive process of inviting Ukraine to join NATO at the Summit in Vilnius.”

On Thursday, 22 June, the Saeima adopted in the second and final reading the Law on Establishing the Selonia Military Training Area, which establishes special legal regulations for setting the borders of the military training area, the expropriation and use of immovable property within the area, and construction of infrastructure.

On Thursday, 22 June, the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments providing that new vehicles will have to undergo state technical inspection within three years of registration.

On Thursday, 22 June, the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments to the Pre-election Campaign Law stipulating the use of the official language in pre-election campaigns.

“This is a very special time in Latvia. We will celebrate the summer solstice this week, and the 150th anniversary week of the Latvian Song and Dance Festival is due to start very soon. Today, you will have the opportunity to take a glimpse into this magical cultural canon of Latvia,” said Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Head of the Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), on Tuesday, 20 June, opening the photo exhibition of traditional costumes worn by members of the family choir “Staro” (“Shine”) at the Council of Europe (CoE) building in Strasbourg, France.