Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics on Tuesday urged action to secure the release of hostages and ease civilian suffering in Gaza during a meeting with visiting Israeli President Isaac Herzog, reported Xinhua.
Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog arrived in Riga earlier Tuesday for a two-day official visit, part of a broader tour of the three Baltic states.
"We continue to support Israel's right to self-defence, in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law," Rinkevics said at a joint news conference following bilateral talks at Riga Castle.
"Every effort must be made to ensure the immediate release of all hostages. At the same time, the extremely severe humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip must be addressed by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and by preventing further civilian casualties. Human suffering must come to an end," he said.
Rinkevics stressed that access to food, medical care, and other humanitarian assistance should not be withheld from residents of Gaza with no connection to terrorism.
He also expressed hope that the international community would find a solution that not only defeats terrorism but also respects fundamental human rights.
The two presidents also discussed bilateral ties, with Rinkevics highlighting active political dialogue and economic cooperation between their countries.
Herzog's visit to Latvia drew political criticism and public protest. The Progressives party called on Latvia's leadership to reassess its relations with Israel and urged it to support the Palestinian right to self-determination.
On Tuesday, several dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested outside the presidential residence in Riga, calling for Latvia to halt cooperation with Israel.
According to the Israeli president's office, Latvia is the second stop of Herzog's Aug. 3-6 tour of the Baltic States. He is scheduled to continue his visit to Estonia on Wednesday.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
