Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06RIGA924
2006-11-07 12:49:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Riga
Cable title:
LATVIA: JEWISH PROPERTY RESTITUTION MOVING FORWARD
how-toVZCZCXRO1894 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHRA #0924 3111249 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 071249Z NOV 06 FM AMEMBASSY RIGA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3516 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS RIGA 000924
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/OHI (J BECKER),DRL/SEAS (G RICKMAN)
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL SOCI LG
SUBJECT: LATVIA: JEWISH PROPERTY RESTITUTION MOVING FORWARD
REF: RIGA 921
UNCLAS RIGA 000924
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/OHI (J BECKER),DRL/SEAS (G RICKMAN)
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL SOCI LG
SUBJECT: LATVIA: JEWISH PROPERTY RESTITUTION MOVING FORWARD
REF: RIGA 921
1. Our lobbying efforts of recent weeks appear to have helped
unblock stalled progress on Jewish property restitution (reftel).
On November 6, the Latvian cabinet approved the draft legislation
for Jewish Property Restitution for heirless properties. The
legislation will now be moved to the Saeima (parliament). This is a
very positive development since the issue appeared stalled despite
an agreement between the government and the local Jewish community
dating back to June. Representatives of the local Jewish community
tell post that they are very satisfied with the cabinet action and
cautiously optimistic that parliament will approve the legislation
in the coming weeks. Post will continue to follow the issue and
stay in touch with the Jewish community to monitor progress.
2. Post no longer believes that the Washington action requested
reftel is needed, given the cabinet action. Should there be any
difficulties in the legislative process that cannot be addressed
here, we will consider if Washington action would be beneficial and
report.
BAILEY
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/OHI (J BECKER),DRL/SEAS (G RICKMAN)
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL SOCI LG
SUBJECT: LATVIA: JEWISH PROPERTY RESTITUTION MOVING FORWARD
REF: RIGA 921
1. Our lobbying efforts of recent weeks appear to have helped
unblock stalled progress on Jewish property restitution (reftel).
On November 6, the Latvian cabinet approved the draft legislation
for Jewish Property Restitution for heirless properties. The
legislation will now be moved to the Saeima (parliament). This is a
very positive development since the issue appeared stalled despite
an agreement between the government and the local Jewish community
dating back to June. Representatives of the local Jewish community
tell post that they are very satisfied with the cabinet action and
cautiously optimistic that parliament will approve the legislation
in the coming weeks. Post will continue to follow the issue and
stay in touch with the Jewish community to monitor progress.
2. Post no longer believes that the Washington action requested
reftel is needed, given the cabinet action. Should there be any
difficulties in the legislative process that cannot be addressed
here, we will consider if Washington action would be beneficial and
report.
BAILEY