RIGA, July 14 (LETA) - The government on Thursday approved the removal of 69 objects , including monuments, memorial signs and sites, glorifying Soviet and Nazi regimes. 

A law banning display of objects glorifying Soviet and Nazi regimes and requiring their removal came into effect in Latvia on June 23 after the Saeima passed it on June 16. According to the law, all objects glorifying totalitarian regimes in Latvia's territory have to be removed by November 15.

Taking into account that a decision has already been made to dismantle the monument to Soviet soldiers in Riga's Pardaugava, a total of 70 monuments may have to be removed.

The bill specifically stipulates the dismantling of the monument in Victory Park in Riga. Its underground part has to be demolished by June 30, 2023. 

The Cabinet of Minister will identify the other objects to be dismantled under the bill.

Dismantling of the objects will be the duty of municipalities in which the objects are situated. Demolition works will be financed with donations of legal entities and individuals, as well as state and municipal budgets.

Monuments to the occupying powers have been a subject of controversy for a long time already, and now the issue has been raised again in relation to Russia's war in Ukraine.