CONCLUSIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON THE INVESTIGATION OF KONRADS KALEJS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN NAZI-SPONSORED CRIMES COMMITTED DURING WORLD WAR II

        OTTAWA, February 17, 2000 -- Upon the initiative of the General Prosecutor's Office of Latvia, the meeting of the representatives from the Australia, Canada, Germany Great Britain, Israel, and United States, was organized on February 16-17 in order to cooperate in the investigation of Nazi-sponsored crimes committed on Latvian territory during World War II, including the case of Konrads Kalejs.

        During the meeting, the Prosecutor General of Latvia, Mr. Janis Skrastins, expressed Latvia's readiness and commitment to actively, carefully and consistently investigate Nazi-sponsored crimes committed on Latvian territory during World War II and to prosecute persons having committed these crimes. The Office of Prosecutor General of Latvia assumed a leading role in this process. As a result, the Office of Prosecutor General of Latvia has made a decision to increase the staff of the Division for Crimes of Totalitarian Regimes and resources allocated to the investigation.

        During the meeting, the Prosecutor General of Latvia provided information about the law of the Republic of Latvia regarding war crimes, crimes against humanity and criminal procedure. The participants of the meeting suggested an action plan, and agreed to support the General Prosecutor's Office of Latvia. Latvia has undertaken to update all parties on the progress of its investigations within three months, and the other parties agreed to undertake certain support during that time.

        The participants in the meeting discussed their legal and judicial experience in the investigation of war crimes and prosecution of war criminals both on the international and national level. The parties agreed that joining the efforts of experts in law and history is crucial to the investigation of war crimes. The Prosecutor General of Latvia decided to involve Prof. H Strods, a member of the Latvian Commission of Historians, as well as the Latvian Documentation Center of Totalitarian Regimes, in these investigations.

        The representatives of Latvia and Australia agreed on negotiating an extradition relationship as a matter of priority.

        Latvia and Great Britain agreed to organize a visit of Latvian investigators to Scotland Yard in the near future to review the relevant material.

        Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States offered the benefit of their expertise, relevant legal materials, technical assistance, and any new relevant information or assistance which they can provide in the prosecution of similar cases.

        Israel offered its assistance in obtaining relevant materials regarding war crimes committed on Latvian territory from non-governmental organizations and individuals in Israel.

        The two-day meeting proceeded in a constructive and open atmosphere under the strong leadership of the Prosecutor General, Mr. Skrastins. All participants look forward to the fulfillment of the agreed objectives.

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Marjorie Ward
Department of Justice
(613) 957-4205