No actual manifestations of anti-Semitism in Latvia

RIGA (BNS) - There are no actual manifestations of anti-Semitism in Latvia and anti-Semitism is not a problem for Latvia, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins said Aug. 8 in an interview with the state radio.

He was commenting on the article on Jews in Kapitals magazine which stirred broad discussions. The Jewish community views as unacceptable the fact that in the article "Jews Rule The World" the Jews were called a word they view as insulting and views as unacceptable the caricature on the magazine's cover that pictured a man of dark complexion with a hat on his head and a golden ear-ring in his ear, holding a globe in his hands. The minister said the Latvian officials have always condemned anti-Semitism and will condemn it in the future. Berzins said it is not important how the foreign media react to developments in Latvia but what matters indeed are the very developments in Latvia. The minister said the article in Kapitals magazine was a surprise to him, especially taking into account the "trend" of the magazine.

The minister stressed Latvia has put forward for itself goals of moving to the European Union and NATO, and it means the country wants to join the values characteristic to countries that are members of these organizations.