Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Russia

Andris Berzins and Heinz Fischer. Vienna, 8.04.2015. Photo: president.lv

During a press conference after a bilateral meeting with Austrian President Heinz Fischer, Berzins pointed out that NATO plays the most important role in Latvian and Baltic security, and that the decisions made during the Wales Summit to strengthen the region's security situation are being implemented.

''Latvia and the Baltics are just as protected as any other NATO member. Latvia and Russia are neighbors, and this must always be remembered. Latvia is doing everything it can so that we remain as neighbors,'' the president said.

Meanwhile, Fischer said that Austria is against any sort of military intervention in Ukraine to help this country counter the Russian aggression inside its borders, and added that the only possible solution is through talks and diplomacy. At the same time, Fischer also emphasized that it is not yet time to speak about easing sanctions against Russia, but also denied the necessity to increase sanctions, once again expressing hope that the EU and Russia will fine a diplomatic solution to the problem.