MINSK, 6 October (BelTA) – The statement of the Latvian Saeima on the legitimacy of the mandate of the president of Belarus runs contrary to the spirit of relations between the two states, Deputy Chair of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Oleg Gaidukevich told reporters, BelTA has learned.
“The statement of the Saeima is both bewildering and outrageous, because it is out of keeping with international norms, decency and the understanding of legal procedures. Belarus is a sovereign state. We have always treated our neighbors, including Latvia, fairly. We have never interfered in domestic affairs of any states. We have always believed and still believe that this is an internal matter of people who live there. They should make their own decisions on the future of their countries. Then why are we told what to do? Why are we told how to hold the election and the inauguration? Belarusians will decide it on their own. Only Belarusian people have the right to decide the future of the country,” the MP emphasized.
He went on saying: “This statement runs afoul of the spirit of our relations, because in recent years we have tried to build good, friendly relations with our Latvian counterparts. A lot has been done, including in the economy. Why to erode all the gains? We are well aware of what it is all about. It has nothing to do with common sense, the real situation inside and outside the country. Therefore, we call on our counterparts to respect international law and be guided by common sense. We have never made any aggressive statements on any country. However, we will not keep silent in the event of unfair treatment and violation of law against us. This decision is unfair, and most importantly, it falls short of international standards. These are double, triple standards. We see it around the world. No statements are made on some countries for geopolitical reasons, but in Belarus they find what has never been here,” he said.
Oleg Gaidukevich added that Belarus will keep building constructive relations with Latvia. “The future of Belarus will be decided only by Belarusians, without orders from Latvia or any other country. Yet, I would like to reiterate that we will keep building constructive relations and we are ready for a dialogue with everyone, including Latvian MPs,” he added.
