Yesterday, on the afternoon of March 11th, a trilateral meeting of the chiefs of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Police and State Border guard authorities took place in Riga. It was organized at the initiative of the Latvian State Police and the State Border Guard. Considering the current geopolitical situation and Russia's full-scale aggression in Ukraine, the meeting discussed common internal security issues, including border security, trends in crime in the countries, and the risks posed by the upcoming Russian presidential "elections" planned for this week.
All three countries' services are carefully preparing for the planned "elections" of the Russian president on March 17th. Although the level of threat in the countries is low, it cannot be ruled out that provocative activities may occur during these days, and there may also be attempts to express support for the aggressor by glorifying war crimes and individuals who have committed them. Services in Latvia, as well as in Estonia and Lithuania, are prepared to ensure public order and security, to prevent the risks of provocation and threats to public order and security, as well as any glorification of aggressor states or military aggression and justification of war. If violations are detected, the services in all three countries will respond harshly. During these days, there is planned increased police presence and surveillance in all Baltic States, implementing various preventive security activities.
It has already been reported that near the "election" venues in Latvia, State Border Guard and State Police officials in Riga will conduct strict control over compliance with the conditions of stay of Russian Federation nationals in the Republic of Latvia. State Border Guard officials will check the validity period of each voter's identity document, residence rights document - visa or residence permit - and the legality of their stay in the Republic of Latvia. At the same time, the State Border Guard will pay increased attention to persons crossing the border, and border control will be strengthened.
Also, the heads and deputy heads of the services discussed issues relevant to all services in the trilateral meeting - the mood of the population and the internal security situation, including crime trends. As an alarming trend, the services emphasized the spread of narcotic substances, as well as the increase in property crimes. One of the issues under review was the assessment of risks and their awareness in connection with the war of aggression by Russia in Ukraine and the role of the police in strengthening internal security.
Chief of the State Police of Latvia Armands Ruks: "Assessing the internal security situation in the Baltic States, we can still affirm that we are safe, however, this sense of security is fragile and must be carefully guarded. Such close cooperation between the Baltic States' services, coordinated and unified actions, is a clear signal to everyone that the police are ready for any challenge. Those who glorify and justify war crimes must be held accountable. We will continue to seek the best solutions and work together to ensure the safety of our citizens in the Baltic States."
