Baltic States – CIS, Direct Speech, Economics, Latvia, Legislation, Russia

In an interview with the newspaper "Vesti", Veshnyakov says that "some political parties in Latvia are spreading inflammatory views about Russia, even expressing Russophobic ideas. Such moves, made by politicians for selfish political reasons, seriously damage bilateral relations, however, it is not too late to improve them."

Veshnyakov criticizes Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (Unity) for drawing parallels between modern-day Russia and Nazi Germany. Veshnyakov is "pleased" that this position is not supported by the entire government of Latvia, but – according to the ambassador – Rinkevics "will be someone that Russian diplomats will decline to shake hands with – until he apologizes."

Even though 2015 is one of the worst years in relations between Latvia and Russia, the two countries still maintain diplomatic contacts, and the volume of economic cooperation between Latvia and Russia is even increasing. Veshnyakov says he feels that companies in the transit sector are "concerned about the anti-Russia hysteria" in Latvia. The transit sector accounts for about 12% of the Latvian economy, and if Russian cargoes are no longer shipped through Latvia, the Latvian economy will suffer major losses, the ambassador warns.

"What we need is cooperation and peace. We remember the price we paid for it in 1945," says Veshnyakov, urging everyone to do what they can to prevent the creation of a standoff.

Veshnyakov also agrees with the newspaper that there are attempts in Latvia to rewrite the history of World War II. "We can see attempts to alter historical facts. Clearly, this is being done on purpose, for specific political goals, to turn the victor into aggressor, and paint Nazi collaborationists white – as heroes," says the ambassador. "But I am convinced that these attempts will fail. We know the truth."