President of Latvia: hybrid warfare involving attempts to rewrite history must not be tolerated

On 4 November, President of Latvia Egils Levits had a video conference with leading American Jewish organisations – American Jewish Committee and B’nai B’rith. Video conference focused on current situation in the world, its impact on Latvia and regional security, bilateral and international cooperation between Latvia, the US and Israel in the framework of international organisations, especially the UN.

Participants of the video conference underlined the significant role of the US in strengthening regional security of the Baltic Sea region and achieving peace in other regions of the world, such as Middle East.

One of the current security challenges is global terrorism, including threats posed by Hezbollah. President Levits confirmed that Latvia has designated Hezbollah political and military wing as a terrorist organisation.

Egils Levits underlined that hybrid warfare involving attempts to rewrite history as a way to manipulate public opinion must not be tolerated. It does not matter whether it is Holocaust denial or denial of crimes committed by Soviet totalitarian regime. Representatives of Jewish organisations reiterated their hope that Latvia will continue to work towards complete restitution of Jewish communal, religious and heirless property confiscated during the Holocaust.

President Levits confirmed Latvia’s commitment to implement continued and consistent efforts to eradicate racism and anti-Semitism. He also added that education of young people is crucial to achieve zero tolerance towards this kind of discrimination.