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Since regaining of independence governments of Latvia have consistently and clearly expressed readiness to sign the border treaty with Russia. The declaration approved by the Government on last Tuesday does not present territorial claims against Russia. This issue is not on the agenda of Latvian âÀ“ Russian relations. Latvia will respect the borders defined by the prepared and initialled treaty. We are certain that LatviaâÀ™s and RussiaâÀ™s differing opinions on the historic matters of the 20th century is the reason for the exasperated rhetoric between both countries. The true intention of Latvia is to do everything to find a common opinion on this issue in the future and thus create the basis for new relations with Russia that would be based on principles of democracy and international law. Intended to serve this aim, the unilateral declaration of the Government of Latvia on the Latvian âÀ“ Russian border treaty marks the historical keystones that Latvia sees as the fundamental basis for relations with Russia in the future. Due to the complex questions concerning history and occupation in the 20th century, the Constitution of Latvia does not allow the Government of Latvia to sign the prepared border treaty in any other way than by adopting the mentioned unilateral declaration. We are aware that at the moment, taking into account the processes in Russia, it is difficult to hope for a fast progress on the issue of occupation of the Baltic States; nevertheless, this does not allow us ignore our Constitution and history, which cannot be annulled or changed by decisions of the Government. The Government of Latvia once more reaffirms its willingness and readiness to sign the border treaty and at the same time invites the Russian side to an open and brave dialogue about history prior to or after the signing of the border treaty.
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