Latvian president supports law authorizing government to sign border deal with Russia

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday expressed her support of a bill authorizing the government to sign a border treaty with Russia.

Photo: Latvian president supports law authorizing government to sign border deal with Russia

Latvia's parliament passed the law earlier this month after an acrimonious debate surrounding a small swathe of land that was seized by the Soviet Union after World War II. In accordance with the treaty, Latvia gives up all territorial claims toward Russia.

The law was published in the Monday edition of Latvias Vestnesis, a state-owned paper, which according to the constitution puts it into effect.

The president's decision was the last formality before the Baltic state can sign a border agreement with Russia.

The treaty, negotiated in 1997, has been in limbo mainly due to sour relations between Moscow and Riga, reports AP.

Latvia media are reporting that the border treaty could be signed in Moscow next month.

Estonia, another Baltic state, also lacks a border agreement with Russia.