Lithuanian ambassador in Riga resigns in wake of political comments

Lithuanian Ambassador to Latvia Antanas Valionis turned in his resignation after he inadvertently commented on Latvian President Valdis Zatlers’ decision to propose the dissolution of the country’s parliament (Seima).

Zatlers announced on Saturday the dissolution of the country’s parliament. Zalters accused the parliament of lying and maintaining the interests of oligarchs. Earlier the Seima rejected a request by Latvia’s anti-corruption office to search the house of parliament member Ainars Slesers, who is suspected of corruption.

Under the Latvian Constitution, a national referendum must decide on the issue. The referendum will be held on July 23.

“Zatlers’ decision was made only several days before Seima elections, a certain spirit of revolution can be sensed,” Valionis said on Sunday.

Valionis announced his resignation on Tuesday after a meeting with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, saying: “I apologize to the Latvian president who was insulted by my words.”

“Therefore, I think I should not continue working in Latvia,” he noted.

VILNIUS, May 31 (RIA Novosti)

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