Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs representative of the Russian Embassy about Latvia’s stand with respect to press statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation of 17 March 2004.
On 18 March 2004, a representative of the Russian Embassy in Latvia was summoned to Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform him about Latvia’s stand with respect to the press statement on new attempts to glorify Latvian fascists of 17 March 2004 issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
It was noted that historical facts, including the rulings of the Nuremberg military tribunal, are deliberately falsified in this statement. The statement is biased and does not facilitate good relations between Latvia and Russia.
The materials of the Nuremberg military tribunal, quoted selectively by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation, were handed over to the representative of the embassy.
The Russian representative was informed once again about the work Latvia has accomplished in evaluating its history and about the conclusions made by Latvia’s History Commission, comprised of representatives of a number of countries, including Russia.
It was pointed out that Russia still has not evaluated either its history or its occupation of Latvia. An honest evaluation of history also by Russia would assist to mutual understanding and improvement of neighbour relations with Latvia.
References were made to manifestations of racism, anti-Semitism and ethnic intolerance in Russia, and hope was expressed that Russia will react properly to these negative manifestations in its own country.
Latvia dissociates itself from any totalitarian ideologies and policies, investigates crimes committed by totalitarian regimes, and calls the guilty persons to account. Latvia in no way is attempting to exonerate criminals of war. However, it is inadmissible that victims of World War II are unjustifiably proclaimed criminals for political purposes.
