History, Latvia, Legislation, Real Estate

Pildegovics pointed out that, over the past 25 years, Latvia has been able to revive itself as a democratic country based on rule-of-law.

''There is no reason to criticize Latvia of anything. In regard to the current discussion, we believe that such a Saeima decision would testify to Latvia's consistent policy in regard to overcoming historical injustices. Previous parliaments, in 1998, 2003 and 2007, approved three separate bills, with which properties were returned. We already have these historical precedents, which we believe were fair,'' Pildegovics explained.

Pildegovics also admitted during today's discussions that the property restitution matter also has a foreign policy dimension to it.

''Latvia is a part of various international forums related to WWII. Similar discussions are taking place in other countries. We are part of a European-wide process. We wish to give our support to the Jewish community, which suffered horribly during the occupation,'' Pildegovics said, explaining that Latvia will continue to work to find the most suitable solutions to overcome historical injustices.

As reported, Saeima forwarded several draft bills to committees in January that deal with the restitution of five Jewish properties which are to be returned to the Council of Jewish Communities of Latvia.

The legislation proposes returning five sites in Latvia to the Council of Jewish Communities of Latvia – a former Jewish school at 2 Abrenes Street in Riga, former Jewish religious school at 12 Ernesta Birznieka-Upisa Street in Riga, former Jewish nursing home at 25 Ludzas Street in Riga, former synagogue at 13 Klavu Street in Jurmala, and another former synagogue at 31 Liela Street in Kandava.

The said properties are to be returned in order to mitigate the injustice Latvia's Jewish communities suffered during World War II.

Parliamentary committees will also decide whether to revoke restrictions on the property of the Jewish Community of Riga – the prohibition to alienate or mortgage the property. Amendments also stipulate that the property will not have to be returned to the state in case the Community ceases to exist. The amendments concern a 1,122 square meter land plot and building at 6 Skolas Street.

The draft bills were submitted by MPs Ojars Eriks Kalnins (Unity), Atis Lejins (Unity), Artis Rasmanis (Greens/Farmers), Solvita Aboltina (Unity), Lolita Cigane (Unity), and Rihards Kols (All For Latvia-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK).