On 23 February 2023, in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in the emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly on Ukraine. The session adopted a resolution titled “Principles underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.
Addressing all the UN Member States, Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed Latvia’s support for Ukraine in the fight for its territory and sovereignty. “Russia’s actions are driven by its imperial and colonial ambitions. As a country possessing nuclear weapons, Russia uses irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. This week, Russia has suspended its participation in the New START nuclear treaty. A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council attempts to change borders of another sovereign country by the use of military force. Permanent members of the Security Council have a particular responsibility to maintain international peace and security. Every sovereign country has a right to choose its own foreign policy course. It applies to Ukraine as well as to any other country. Ukraine has a right to defend itself against foreign aggression. Ukraine fights for its survival, its right to exist. The sole responsibility for the war lies on Russia. Russia started this war, and Russia alone can and must end it immediately,” the Foreign Minister underlined in his statement.
“Latvia strongly condemns deliberate attacks by Russia against civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Residential areas, schools, kindergartens, hospitals and critical energy infrastructure are being destroyed by Russian bombing. Innocent civilians, including children, are being killed. More than 17 million people have been forced to leave their homes or flee their country,” Edgars Rinkēvičs said.
The Minister expressed the position that the international community must continue to provide all necessary support to Ukraine, including military and humanitarian. Latvia’s assistance to Ukraine has significantly exceeded one percent of Latvia’s GDP. This will set the pace for the further reconstruction process in Ukraine. Latvia has engaged in the reconstruction of Chernihiv Region.
The Minister underlined the need for achieving Russia’s accountability for the crimes of aggression, “We condemn the illegal deportation of Ukrainian civilians to Russia and forced illegal adoption of Ukrainian children. We condemn the forced passportization and conscription to the Russian armed forces of the Ukrainian citizens. Russia must stop violating international humanitarian law and human rights. Crimes committed by Russia cannot and will not go unpunished. We commend the efforts of the International Criminal Court to investigate atrocity crimes and to serve justice for victims. Regrettably, the International Criminal Court and national judicial systems cannot exercise jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression. Latvia calls for the establishment of an ad hoc international tribunal under the auspices of the United Nations. This will grant the tribunal strong international legitimacy and provide a basis for applying exceptions from the personal immunities. Those in Russian leadership responsible for crimes must be held accountable,” Edgars Rinkēvičs noted.
In his address to the emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Minister drew attention to the Russian propaganda seeking to justify its illegal invasion and to deny its crimes. It tries to shift the blame for global consequences of its war. Therefore, the world community must refute such disinformation with truth and facts. Those Russian individuals and groups engaged in propaganda in support of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine must be held accountable. To counter disinformation, Latvia will continue to support independent media.
“Russia’s war against Ukraine has caused serious long-term geopolitical, economic and humanitarian consequences far beyond Europe. Food and energy are instruments in Russia’s warfare affecting people globally. It is Russia’s war against Ukraine that has caused shortage of food supplies and the rise of energy prices, not the sanctions. We commend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which must be continued. We support the work of the World Food Programme. Last year, the Latvian Government decided to unblock Russia’s fertilizers in Latvian ports. Fertilizers are to be donated to countries of the Global South to improve food security worldwide.
We welcome President Zelenskyy’s ten-point peace formula and strongly support his vision for peace that rests on the principles of the UN Charter. Russia must withdraw its forces from the entire territory of Ukraine. I call on all the members of the United Nations to support the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. I urge Member States to vote in favour of the resolution for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. May this year mark a victory over tyranny, cruelty and sufferings!” said Edgars Rinkēvičs in the conclusion.