Latvia's ruling parties win election dominated by Russian issue

A woman casts her ballot during Latvia's parliamentary elections in Riga October 4, 2014. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

RIGA (Reuters) - Latvia's hawkish centre-right ruling coalition has won a clear majority in a general election, results showed on Sunday, after taking a hard line over the actions of Russia, its neighbour and former ruler, in Ukraine.

Victory for the centre-right in the Baltic state, which takes over the presidency of the EU at the start of next year, will bring a sigh of relief from many worried that the pro-Russian Concord party might gain power and give Russian President Vladimir Putin a friendly voice in the European Union.