Baltic States – CIS, Belarus, Latvia, Legislation

The petition against the sanctions has been signed by 22 Saeima members and sent to Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (Unity) and Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (ZRP).

In the letter, the Latvian parliament members point out that after the December 19, 2010 events in Belarus, the European Union's main demand is the release of political prisoner, as well as a dialogue on human rights. The European Commission's proposed economic sanctions against Belarus are currently just being discussed, that is why the influence these sanctions could have on Latvia's national economy cannot be evaluated yet. However, it is possible to evaluate the level of cooperation between Latvia and Belarus.

Latvia's trade volume with Belarus made four% of the country's total trade volume in 2011. Belarus is Latvia's 12th largest export partner, and sixth largest import partner. Shipment of Belarus goods by rail through Latvia makes up 21.3% of Latvia's total rail cargo turnover.

Furthermore, Belarus supplies Latvia with 90% of the country's diesel fuel. There are currently 690 joint ventures operating in Latvia with Belarus capital, and 420 joint ventures operating in Belarus with Latvian capital, the letter points out.

"The question arises – is it necessary for Latvia to implement economic sanctions against Belarus? We can ask another question – for who is this beneficial?" the letter says.

The parliament members remind that Belarus is Latvia's neighbor, and that economic, cultural and social contacts have continued between the two countries since the 12th century.

As reported, even though Latvia does not support the European Union's proposed economic sanctions against Belarus, it is very likely these sanctions will be imposed within the next month, Foreign Ministry State Secretary Andris Teikmanis previously said.

The diplomat explained that Latvia's position has always been that isolating Belarus is not the best policy, because dialogue can help solve problems. However, the regime in Belarus is currently putting itself in isolation.

Teikmanis believes that the EU's economic sanctions against Belarus will be imposed, because many countries within the bloc are committed to implementing these sanctions. Latvia has always been active during debates on economic sanctions, and has not supported imposing these sanctions on Belarus, because they could leave a serious impact on the people of Belarus.

"We have never supported sanctions against Belarus, and our position has not changed. However, we might not have enough influence to block the EU's decision," Teikmanis said.