What are the consequences of recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism by Latvia/Collage of Channel 24
On August 11, the Saeima of Latvia recognized Russia as a state sponsoring terrorism. Ukraine gladly welcomed this decision.
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However, the granting of the status by Latvia is unlikely to have serious consequences for Russia. Political scientist Andrei Vigirinsky told Channel 24 about this.
The status of a state sponsored by terrorism should be granted by the United States
According to Vigirinsky, the recognition of the state as a sponsor of terrorism with consequences in the practice of world international law was introduced only by the United States. After all, the provision of an appropriate status could guarantee a specific result – the restriction of financial transactions, trade, etc. It is important that the United States could ensure the implementation of these sanctions, because the main currency of international settlements in the 70s, when this status appeared, was precisely the American dollar.
“When we talk about Lithuania or Latvia, which make the appropriate decision, this is commensurate with the fact that Ukraine would make this decision. Could Ukraine influence Russia's trade relations with Iran? Due to the available tools
From the point of view of symbolism – yes, it is important. From the point of view of the achievements of our diplomacy … Our parliament, in a consolidated vote in May, asked the US Congress to persuade the State Department to make a decision. We did not just turn to the United States , – noted Vigirinsky.
Appeals, but no concrete actions
“The local press writes that one of the consequences of such a decision by the Parliament is an appeal to the countries of the European Union to strengthen or revise the policy related to the visa regime for Russian citizens staying in the EU “, – said the political scientist.
Vigirinsky added that we often become hostages of incorrect information propagated by unconscious speakers. They say that the status means that no one will trade with Russia. It's not like that at all. As an example, he cited Iran, which is a sponsor of terrorism, but PepsiCo operates in the country.
I do not want to reduce the weight of this status. I just don't want people to be disappointed in the future. By continuing to see certain trade relations taking place with Russia. And the adoption of the status of a state-sponsor of terrorism did not become the prerequisite that further deepened the isolation of Russia. – the political scientist emphasized.
International law is built on contractual relations
It is necessary to take into account the fact that the entire democratic world is isolated from Russia, just like Russia from it. However, those countries that Russia calls “friendly” occupy a third of the world in terms of territory and population. Another two-thirds either have a neutral position or simply do not speak out.
“These countries also have people and economies. For them, the decision will not have consequences, because international law is built on contractual relations,” said Vigirinsky .
The political scientist noted that the European Union does not have a legal framework and practice of recognizing a country as a sponsor of terrorism. However, the corresponding situation can be simulated. “If the EU agrees that the assignment of a status at the level of the European Commission entails the abolition of visas or short-term visas for Russian citizens. And each country adheres to these agreements,” he explained.
