Statement by Artis Pabriks, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia [15 Feb 2006]

Changes in the global security situation of the past weeks demonstrate the threat that radicals and their intolerance can pose to individual states and to the world.

Latvia as a democratic state opposes any totalitarian ideology. There can be no statutory limitations for the crimes against humanity perpetrated by the totalitarian regimes and individual persons that have acted in the name of these regimes. We categorically denounce the Holocaust and genocide and the activities of the followers of these ideologies. The increase in racist and xenophobic crimes in a number of European states and elsewhere in the world attests that totalitarian ideologies are not dead. Latvian society and law enforcement institutions must continue to work on eradicating extremism.

Radicals in Latvia will again attempt to voice their ideas on 16 March. The right and leftwing radicals will try through their actions to discredit Latvia internationally. Some of them want to show off their patriotic zeal. Others are preparing to disseminate propaganda accusing Latvians of fascism. Certain media outside Latvia ascribe to us views that have never been accepted by the society and the state in Latvia.

In the interests of Latvia, local governments should not grant permission to hold the events announced by pseudopatriots. The Government is categorically opposed to any provocations and has condemned the activities of both rightwing and leftwing extremist groups. This position remains unchanged.

(end of text)