Latvia is ready to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention - Mierina

RIGA - Latvia is ready to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention because security in the region is a priority, said Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers) on Thursday in Strasbourg, as she met with Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada Greg Fergus during the Conference of Speakers of European Parliaments.

During the meeting, Mierina said that Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland would soon withdraw from the Ottawa Convention in order to guarantee the security of their national borders and people in the event of aggression provoked by Russia.

Fergus expressed his understanding of this decision. Although the decision is difficult, he understands the gravity of the situation on the EU's eastern border and is aware of the reasons for the decision. Mierina pointed out that countries are doing their utmost to avoid the use of landmines.

The two Speakers also discussed the tensions between Canada and the United States and Canada's commitment to strengthening its security capabilities and cooperation with the European Union. The Speaker of the Saeima affirmed that Latvia was grateful for the presence of Canadian forces in Latvia.

The agenda of the Conference of Speakers of European Parliaments includes issues on strengthening democracy, ensuring freedom of expression in times of polarization and uncertainty, and violence against politicians.