Belarus expels Latvian diplomatic corps for flag abuse

Such scenes came from the capital of Latvia today. They are really more of a performance art than a diplomatic action. They show the blatant pervasiveness of the local authorities. The mayor of the city has personally replaced the national flag of Belarus with a white-red-white flag among the flags of the World Hockey Championship in the center of the cityю However, it turned out that the Latvian authorities are allergic not only to state symbols of Belarus, but also Russia - they also decided to remove the Russian tricolor, replacing it with the flag of the Olympic Committee.

The logical step was the reaction of the Belarusian side: an order to leave the country within 24 hours! This decision was taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with regard to the Latvian ambassador to our country. Today the diplomat was invited to the Foreign Ministry in connection with the insult of the Belarusian state flag in Riga. All diplomatic and administrative and technical staff of the embassy were also invited to leave the country within 48 hours. The incident with the national flag of Belarus in Riga is regarded as an act of state vandalism.

Especially striking is how different are the actions of our "Western partners" from their words about their alleged all-round support for our sovereignty and independence. But in fact, they commit blatant provocations, which are aimed at the destruction of our statehood. Belarus will not tolerate such an attitude, our actions are mirror-like and Belarus is ready for a symmetrical response from the Latvian side.

Vladimir Makei, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus: "Surely the Latvian party will respond symmetrically. We are ready for that. However, at this stage, in this situation, we see no opportunity to work with the current staff of the diplomatic mission.

Outraged citizens of Belarus gathered in front of Latvian embassy. The illegal anti-diplomatic action in the capital of Latvia is a gesture that violates not only international legal norms. It is an act of gross insult of every normal Belarusian. The interference in the internal affairs of our country causes righteous indignation.