All visitors to the Russian Embassy in Riga must now undergo document checks by State Police officers, according to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new procedure, which took effect on July 1, is a reciprocal measure implemented because Russia has long applied similar checks at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow.
Why are document checks being implemented at the Russian embassy?
The decision is based on the principle of reciprocity. Diana Eglīte, the press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Russia has been applying similar checks at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow for a considerable time.
Baiba Broka confirmed that the document checks are being conducted specifically in response to current Russian practices. She noted that these measures are applied to the Russian embassy and many other diplomatic missions in Moscow.
“The State Police will check the documents of all visitors. This step is based on the principle of reciprocity, as Russia has long applied such practices at our embassy and many other diplomatic missions in Moscow,” the minister stated.
How will the State Police conduct these checks?
State Police officers have added the responsibility of checking the identity of visitors to their existing duties of ensuring public order near foreign diplomatic missions. Simona Gravīte, a representative of the State Police, confirmed that starting July 1, officers will check the personal data and documents of all visitors.
The Russian embassy announced the new procedure through its official social media pages one day before it took effect. In that announcement, the mission recommended that all visitors have valid identification documents ready for inspection.
What is the current status of the embassy?
According to reports from TV3 News, there was an increased police presence near the embassy building on the first day of the new measure. However, the embassy itself operated as usual, and there was no noticeable increase in the number of visitors.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that this is not an emergency measure.
- The measure is not related to a change in the current level of threat.
- Police presence near the building has been a daily occurrence for public order.
What might happen next?
Latvian authorities have indicated that these document checks will continue as long as a similar procedure is maintained for visitors to the Latvian Embassy in Moscow.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new document check procedure begin?
The new procedure for visitors to the Russian Embassy in Riga went into effect on July 1.
Is this a response to a heightened security threat?
No, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this measure is not related to any emergency situation or a change in the level of threat.
Why is Latvia implementing these checks now?
The checks are a response to the principle of reciprocity, as Russia has long applied similar checks at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow.
