Thank you, Chair,
The Netherlands aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following in its national capacity.
The Netherlands is deeply concerned by the recent threats directed by the Russian Federation against Latvia, an OSCE participating State and our close Ally. Such rhetoric is irresponsible and unacceptable. It runs counter to the letter and spirit of the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter, and undermines the cooperative security framework on which this Organization is built.
As Allies, we stand firmly with Latvia. As was reaffirmed by our Heads of State and Government in The Hague last year: We remain fully committed to NATO and we reiterate our ironclad commitment to collective defence as enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. We are united and steadfast in our resolve to protect our citizens, defend the Alliance, and safeguard our freedom and democracy.
We call on the Russian Federation to refrain from threats, to respect fully the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all participating states, and to return to compliance with its OSCE commitments and international obligations.
The Netherlands will continue to support Latvia, including through our contributions to NATO’s deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern flank, and through our active engagement here in the OSCE.
Thank you.