Mierina in Kyiv calls for further sanction pressure on Russia

RIGA - The sanctions pressure against Russia must continue in the areas of energy, finance and dual-use goods, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers) told a summit of parliamentary speakers in the Ukrainian capital on Monday.

As LETA was told at the Saeima speaker's office, Mierina in her address to the parliament speakers in Kyiv on Monday noted that the event marks the events of March 2022 in Bucha.

"This cannot be forgiven. The murderers must be called by their real names, the murderers must be called to justice and punished with all possible severity. There is no statute of limitation for crimes against humanity," the Saeima speaker stressed.

Mierina noted that a few days ago, the inhumane Soviet-era deportations carried out by the Soviet occupiers were commemorated throughout the Baltics. "In the course of history, the aggressor state in the East has changed its names, but it has not changed its atrocious habits. Russia is and remains a long-term threat to security and democracy," said Mierina.

She pledged that Latvia would continue to actively support the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. "We look forward to an early referral of this process for a political decision," Mierina said.

Latvia also continues its participation in the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), and participates in the Joint Investigation Group.

Latvia supports the establishment of the Claims Commission through an international treaty. It is important that the process of its establishment is carried out within the timeframe offered by Ukraine and will be completed by the end of this year, Mierina said.

After the establishment of the Claims Commission, further work will be needed to set up a compensation fund, the Saeima speaker added.

She underlined that work must continue to bring home the kidnapped Ukrainian children. Of the more than 20,000 children that have been kidnapped and taken to Russia, only slightly more than 1,000 have been returned.

"The aggressor will never be able to erase these crimes and remain unpunished," said Mierina.

At the end of her speech, Mierina pledged Latvia's continued support for Ukraine. Latvia will continue to provide Ukraine with military aid amounting to 0.25 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), as well as EUR 5 million of aid for Ukraine's reconstruction every year.

Latvia will also continue to support the civilian population of Ukraine and advocate for Ukraine's integration into the European Union and NATO, the Saeima speaker said.