On 22 March, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis, together with 27 other EU Heads of State and Government in Brussels, discussed the attack of 4 March in the United Kingdom where the agent paralysing the nervous system was used. This issue was discussed within the framework of the European Council.
M.Kučinskis points out that Latvia condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack in Salisbury (UK) on 4 March. Latvia stands in solidarity with the United Kingdom in the face of this challenge to our shared security and is ready to support the United Kingdom bilaterally, as well as within the EU, NATO and the United Nations framework in order to agree on joint action. According to Latvia's position, those who planned and carried out the attack on the territory of the NATO member country should receive an adequate and firm response.
Latvia agrees with the United Kingdom government's assessment that it is highly likely that Russia is responsible for the Salisbury attack.
On 4 March this year, 66-year-old Sergey Scripault and his daughter were taken to the Salisbury hospital after poisoning with a toxic substance. The EU Member States on 19 March at the EU Foreign Affairs Council expressed solidarity with the United Kingdom and considered that responsibility for the attacks should be borne by Russia. The investigation has shown that the attack against the Scripaults was carried out using a nerve agent belonging to the so-called group Novichok incapacitating the central nervous system.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Mob.: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv