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Makei slams incident with Belarus’ state flag in Riga as state vandalism

An archive photo

MINSK, 24 May (BelTA) – The incident with Belarus’ state flag in Riga is an act of state vandalism, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makes told journalists after meeting with Latvian Ambassador to Belarus Einars Semanis, BelTA has learned.

“We summoned the ambassador to lodge our strong protest over this situation, this incident. We explained him in no uncertain terms that this is a cynical violation of all and any norms of international law. In fact, it is an act of state vandalism. Such actions against a sovereign state, a sovereign nation are unacceptable. I would like to point out that our partners allegedly support our statehood, our sovereignty and independence, when in reality they commit deliberate acts of provocation that are meant to damage the sovereignty and statehood,” he said.

“We want Latvia to carry out a careful investigation, offer its apology, and put the state flag of the Republic of Belarus back. The ambassador was handed the note of protest over the incident. We have no choice but to respond to this provocation,” Vladimir Makei said.

These days the Latvian capital of Riga is hosting the IIHF World Championships and has the flags of the participating countries raised in the city center. Today, Mayor of Riga Martins Stakis and Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics replaced the Belarusian state flag with the white-red-white flag.

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