News in plain language on May 1
The anniversary of the convening of the Constitutional Assembly
Today, Latvia celebrates the convening day of the first Latvian elected parliament – the Constituent Assembly.
On May 1, 1920, the Constituent Assembly met for its first meeting.
It later drafted the basic law or the Constitution of the new Latvian state.
20 years since joining the EU
Today marks 20 years since Latvia joined the European Union.
In Latvia in September 2003, almost 67% of the people voted in the referendum for joining the European Union.
Latvia became a member state of the European Union in 2004.
In honor of this event, various events took place in Latvia today – concerts, exhibitions, as well as various art objects were displayed in the cities.
Istanbul Convention
Today, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence enters into force in Latvia.
It is also called the Istanbul Convention.
Drones attack oil refineries
Ukrainian drones have attacked Russian oil refineries in Ryazan and Voronezh region.
The plant in Ryazan is said to have suffered significant damage.
Experts point out that Ukraine managed to limit Russia’s oil refining capabilities with drone attacks.
This has a negative impact on exports and causes fuel prices to rise in Russia.
The situation at the front in Ukraine
The Russian army has slowed down its advance near Avdiyivka.
Instead, Russia is stockpiling reserves to advance towards Chasivyar.
Analysts also point out that the fastest possible delivery of US military aid to Ukraine is very important right now – only in this way will it be possible for Ukraine to stop the Russian attack faster.
Protests in Georgia
Georgian police have arrested 63 people in protest against the foreign agents law.
The police used tear gas and rubber bullets against the protesters.
The violence was condemned by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Žuzeps Borel.
The Georgian parliament passed the second reading of the bill on Tuesday and wants to fully approve it this month.
In order for the law to enter into force, it must be considered by the parliament in three readings and signed by the president. She promised not to sign it.
The situation in Gaza
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has urged the terrorist group “Hamas” to accept the plan for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
“Hamas” has stated that its goal is still to end the war altogether, and this is said to be contrary to the terms of the ceasefire.
Currently, “Hamas” has been offered to stop fighting for 40 days and during that time to exchange several hostages taken by the group for many Palestinian prisoners.
“Hamas” has stated that it will announce its final word in the near future, however, there is no information about the group’s decision yet.
Student protests in the US
Meanwhile, student protests against the war in the Gaza Strip continue in the United States.
A total of several hundred students have been detained at universities over the course of several days.
Violent clashes between Palestinian and Israeli supporters have also broken out in places.
Weather forecast
It will be slightly cloudy at night and no precipitation is expected.
North-east, east wind will blow with 2-7 meters per second (m/s).
The air temperature will be between 6 and 11 degrees, in the northeast of Vidzeme 3..5 degrees.
A small amount of clouds is expected during the day, without precipitation.
The northeast, east wind will blow 2-6 m/s and the air temperature will be 18..23 degrees, in Kurzeme, on the coast of the bay 12..17 degrees.
A small amount of clouds is expected in Riga, without precipitation, and the north-east, east wind will blow at 2-6 m/s.
Air temperature at night around 10 degrees, during the day 21..22 degrees.
The weather forecast is the first, especially favorable.
