MINSK, 25 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian Sport and Tourism Ministry has sent an official letter to the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia in view of the incident with the Belarusian state flag at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, BelTA learned from the press service of the ministry.
“The Belarusian sport community and the Belarusian Sport and Tourism Ministry as the state administration body in physical education and sport consider as outrageous and unacceptable the replacement of the Belarusian state flag, presented among the flags of the countries participating in the ongoing 2021 IIHF World Championship in the Latvian capital Riga with a flag featuring unregistered symbols.
According to information published in the media, taking part in the change of the flag were Riga Mayor Martins Stakis and Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkevics.
The emblem, flag and anthem of the Republic of Belarus are not just symbols. They are the calling card of the peace-loving policy of our country, whose authority is indisputably recognized in the international arena, including as one of the founders of the United Nations Organization.
In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, the state symbols of our country were approved at the national referendum and cannot be changed by any other procedure.
Disrespect for the state symbols of the Republic of Belarus by the officials of the Republic of Latvia indicates a lack of respect for the will of the Belarusian people, violates the principles of international law and is unacceptable in diplomatic practice.
Sport has always been out of politics, bringing people together and promoting respect for opponents and fair play. The actions of the Latvian officials and the silent consent of Latvian sports functionaries simply raise eyebrows.
In this regard, the Belarusian Sport and Tourism Ministry insists on the use of the Belarusian official state symbols during the IIHF World Championship and demands that the organizers of the event immediately eliminate the violations,” Belarusian Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said.
