The Saeima has passed a resolution declaring that setting up parliamentary groups to promote cooperation with the legislative bodies of Belarus and the Russian Federation conflicts with democratic principles, norms, and international law.
Invasion and Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus
In its formal resolution, the Saeima underscored that the military assault on Ukraine by the Russian Federation constitutes a severe breach of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. According to the decision, this invasion is contrary to international law and the Russian Federation’s international obligations.
Furthermore, the resolution notes that the Republic of Belarus has breached international obligations concerning the ban on acts of aggression. This violation occurred by allowing its territory to be used for aggression against Ukraine.
Cooperation with the parliaments of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus is not possible due to sanctions. Numerous members belonging to the National Assembly of Belarus and the Russian State Duma feature on restrictive measures lists issued by the United States and the European Union.
The decision notes that these deputies were sanctioned for supporting the annexation of Crimea, the occupation and annexation of Ukrainian territories, repression, human rights violations, and supporting the Belarusian regime’s participation in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
🇱🇻⚔️🇷🇺🇧🇾Latvia’s new Saeima has rejected the formation of cooperation groups with the parliaments of Russia and Belarus. This is the first resolution adopted by the 15th Saeima since it convened for its inaugural session. Only deputies from the "Sovereign Power" / "Young…”
Did You Know? To advance ties with the legislature of another nation, a minimum of three deputies can form such a coalition, though no separate funding is allocated to these groups.
Parliamentary groups promote Latvia's interests and foreign policy
Parliamentary groups for promoting cooperation with parliaments of other countries serve as one of the instruments of the Saeima’s foreign policy activities. They establish frameworks for collaboration, facilitate the sharing of parliamentary insights and information, sustain interparliamentary communication, and safeguard Latvia’s interests in bilateral relations.
Participants and leaders of these groups might receive invitations to join official journeys undertaken by top state leaders or attend meetings between high-ranking foreign delegates and the Speaker of the Saeima. Backed by the Saeima Presidium, such deputy factions are permitted to host partner parliaments’ delegations locally and embark on official missions.
Establishing a cooperation group is an initiative of the deputies themselves, and the Saeima does not vote on the establishment or composition of such a group. Internal members select their own leader, while the Saeima Presidium receives written notification regarding the formation of the faction as well as any shifts in its membership.
Popular Cooperation Groups in the Saeima
The Saeima routinely forms cooperation groups with numerous countries to promote cooperation. Because membership in such groups sometimes gives the opportunity to travel to the countries in question on official business, some groups can be very popular with deputies.
The 15th Saeima has yet to form other cooperation groups. However, those involving France, Italy, the United States, and Israel are always among the most popular with deputies.
Why cooperation with Russia and Belarus is not possible
Why is cooperation with the parliaments of Russia and Belarus deemed not possible?
According to the Saeima resolution, cooperative engagement is ruled out because a significant number of officials from the National Assembly of Belarus and the Russian State Duma appear on US and EU sanctions registers. These individuals face sanctions for supporting the annexation of Crimea, occupying Ukrainian territories, committing human rights violations, and supporting the Belarusian regime’s participation in the war.
How is a cooperation group established in the Saeima?
A group of deputies may be established by no fewer than three deputies as an initiative of the deputies themselves. The Saeima does not vote on the establishment or composition of the group, but the Presidium of the Saeima is informed in writing about its creation and any changes in composition.
Which cooperation groups are traditionally popular among deputies?
While the 15th Saeima has yet to form other cooperation groups, those involving France, Italy, the United States, and Israel are always among the most popular with deputies due to opportunities for official business travel.
Which international parliamentary relationships will the Saeima prioritize as it continues to establish new cooperation groups?
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