RIGA, March 11 (LETA) - Riga so far has accommodated 623 refugees from Ukraine.

As Riga has exhausted its accommodation capacity, other municipalities are invited to assist with accommodation for refugees.

Riga Mayor Martins Stakis (Progressives/For) said in a press conference on Friday that other municipalities should join. He commended activities of Cesis municipality.

Riga vice mayor Linda Ozola (New Conservative Party) said that Riga has exhausted its reserves. The government's decision is necessary to set principles on which refugees can be accommodated in tourist facilities. She hopes that the government makes the necessary decision on March 15.

Riga will continue admission of refugees, sign agreements with business representatives, expanding opportunities.

Engagement of individuals would be the last resort, Ozola said. She said that about half of the people who initially applied to accommodate refugees admitted that they are not ready to do that - they applied on the emotional wave, thinking that home is needed for refugees just for a couple of days.

As reported, a support center for people fleeing war in Ukraine has been opened in Cesis this Friday.

At the support center, specially trained volunteers will be providing necessary information to the Ukrainian refugees and advising local residents on how to help them.

As at March 9, a total of 47 people had arrived from Ukraine in Cesis Region, including 14 children, aged four to 19, and 30 women. Most of them are staying in Cesis City.