"Latvia condemns in the strongest terms the acts of terror and violence of any kind and conveys deepest condolences to the families of the victims," an official statement from the Latvian Foreign Ministry said.
One person died and two others were injured in a terrorist attack at a chemical factory near the city of Lyon, southern France, while at least twenty seven people have been killed at a beach resort in Sousse, Tunisia.
"During its Presidency of the EU Council, Latvia has been focusing increased attention on the fight against terrorism, which has become one of the priorities on EU agenda. In response to increasing risks of terrorism, an in-depth discussion has already taken place in the EU at various levels and areas, setting priorities for further measures to combat terrorism. There is no justification for terrorist crimes, and therefore, the entire international community should take action against terrorists and their supporters," the Ministry said.
Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said:
A gruesome terrorist attack in France is another proof that we as EU must step up our efforts internally and externally to combat this evil
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) June 26, 2015
President-elect Raimonds Vejonis struck a similar note, saying:
My deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in Kuwait, France and Tunisia!
— Raimonds Vejonis (@Vejonis) June 26, 2015
However, other politicians could barely contain their eagerness to hold up the slayings as evidence of the dangers of migration - despite the fact that as yet no migrants have been linked to either crime scene and the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Janis Dombrava, a prominent member of parliament from the right-wing National Alliance grouping tweeted: "Terror attacks committed by ISIS should put a full stop to discussions about taking migrants into Europe."
ISIS pastrādātajiem teroraktiem būtu jāpieliek punkts diskusijām par migrantu uzņemšanu Eiropā. Laiks nostiprināt Eiropas ārējās robežas.
— Jānis Dombrava (@janisdombrava) June 26, 2015
His party colleague Janis Iesalnieks, who is parliamentary secretary at the Justice Ministry (which comes under the umbrella of the Interior Ministry which in turn is responsible for immigration policy) described the murder in France as "the flowering of immigration" despite the fact that chief suspect Yassin Salhi is reported to be a French citizen of French birth.
"Yes, a real 'Frenchman', Yassin Salhi," Iesalnieks ironised when challenged by journalist Nellija Locmele on the matter, adding a 'smiley' symbol for good measure in his reply.
.@NellijaL Jā, īstenais "francūzis" Yassin Salhi :) Piedzimšana kādā valstī vēl nepadara par pamattautai piederīgu.
— Jānis Iesalnieks (@JanisIesalnieks) June 26, 2015