Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia are expressing deepest concern about the presidential election in Belarus, the result of which has not been recognized by the Belarusian society, and are urging for a peaceful and lawful resolution of the current crisis in Belarus.
Ministries welcome the results of the European Council convened on Wednesday, 19 August 2020 and decide to move forward in a joint action of introducing targeted individual sanctions against Belarusian officials responsible for falsifying presidential elections in Belarus and exerting excessive force against peaceful protesters in the streets of Belarusian cities.
Latvia and Estonia have prepared the lists of Belarusian officials. Sanctions will envisage visa ban. Bilateral action of introducing sanctions on a national level will take place ahead of upcoming European Union sanctions in accordance with national procedures.
Latvia and Estonia value very highly the basic principles of democracy among which rights of citizens to express their political will through free and fair elections belong to most important democratic fundamentals. Latvia and Estonia highly value observance of political rights and democratic standards throughout the world.
Latvia and Estonia will continue to work actively towards strengthening support for Belarusian civic society. Belarus is and will remain an important neighbour and Latvia and Estonia will continue to maintain friendly neighbourly relations with the people of Belarus.