China News Agency, Moscow, August 11 (Reporter Tian Bing) The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning Latvia's declaration of Russia as a "state sponsoring terrorism" on the 11th.
The statement issued on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day stated that the statement of the Latvian Congress on identifying Russia as a "state sponsoring terrorism" and calling for the suspension of the issuance of tourist visas to Russian citizens is another manifestation of Latvia's "Russophobia".
This move by Latvia's top legislature is a serious violation of existing international law and the principle of sovereign equality of states stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations.
"Latvia openly glorified Nazism, pandered to Nazi accomplices, and encouraged the sending of its citizens to Ukraine as mercenaries to fight in the war," the statement said.
Countries making baseless accusations against Russia are being double-checked by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on money laundering.
"It is well known that Latvia's national system for combating the financing of terrorism and money laundering falls far short of international standards. Riga is compelled to report annually on the progress made in correcting its strategic deficiencies in this area."
In addition, in response to the words and deeds of the leaders of relevant countries prohibiting the issuance of visas to Russian citizens, the Deputy Director-General of the Information Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Nechayev said at a press conference on the 11th that this is a public manifestation of chauvinism and an attempt to "cancel" Russia. All in vain.
He also said that Latvia has recently stopped issuing almost all categories of visas to Russian citizens.
Nechayev pointed out that these measures depriving Russian citizens of the opportunity to visit the European Union demonstrate the malicious intent of the countries concerned to "collectively punish" all Russians simply because they come from a country that pursues an independent foreign policy and staunchly defends its national interests.
Any discrimination in the issuance of visas is a serious violation of the fundamental human rights principles contained in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The relevant provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights are also clearly stipulated.
Statements from the countries concerned contradict these regulations.
Nechayev said the attempt to isolate Russia with a new "Iron Curtain" for political purposes undermined the humanitarian space of European unity created over the course of modern history and complicates thousands of interpersonal relationships , will not have the support of EU countries and the people of Ukraine.
Estonian Prime Minister Karas posted on social media on the 9th that it is necessary to prohibit the issuance of tourist visas to European Union countries to Russian citizens.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with American media recently that Western countries should ban all Russians from entering the country.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 11th that it will close its borders to Russian citizens holding Schengen visas issued by the country.
Certain occupations are excluded, as well as persons with free access under EU law.
Latvian Foreign Minister Linkevich said on the 11th that the country's legislation will be revised, after the revision, the residents of the country will not be granted a residence permit after obtaining Russian citizenship.
Russian media reported that the European Union is discussing a new round of sanctions against Russia, including a halt to the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens.
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