Chapter of Orders, having convened in the Riga Castle for an extraordinary meeting on 1 March, has come out with the following decisions.
Chapter of Orders has awarded the Class I Order of Viesturs to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for exceptional courage in defending Ukraine and its territory against aggression. ‘Order of Viesturs is the highest state award in Latvia. It is awarded to the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his personal courage and leadership in fight for shared European values and brave opposition of the whole Ukrainian nation to Russian invasion,’ said Sarmīte Ēlerte, Chair of the Chapter of Orders. Decision of the Chapter of Orders has been made in accordance with Article 21.4 of the Law on State Decorations.
During its emergency meeting, Chapter of Orders also decided to rescind the Order of the Three Stars, which is the highest state award in Latvia, presented to Petr Aven who also holds Latvian citizenship. ‘Order of the Three Stars is the highest state award in Latvia. It is awarded for special service to Latvia. Peace and security is one of the national prerogatives of Latvia. Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine is a violation of international law and a crime against Ukrainian people. Petr Aven has made no official statements distancing himself from the war waged by Putin’s regime. This can be considered a silent support to Russian aggression, a behaviour not supported by the principles underlying the highest state awards of Latvia or conduct of a recipient of the award. No prior achievements can outweigh that,’ said Sarmīte Ēlerte, Chair of the Chapter of Orders. Decision of the Chapter of Orders has been made in accordance with Article 48.1(2) of the Law on State Decorations.