Feb 02 2011

• President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers believes that it is time to allow dual citizenship
• Saeima granted citizenship to 212 persons
• State language institutions voice concerns about linguistic situation

The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers submitted to the Saeima proposal to the Citizenship Law allowing dual citizenship for those Latvians who left Latvia as refugees or got deported and those who recently emigrated from the country. The President believes that it is time to improve the Citizenship Law according to the long-term interests of the state in order to ensure and promote the preservation of the totality of Latvian citizens.

The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers submitted to the Saeima proposal to the Citizenship Law allowing dual citizenship for those Latvians who left Latvia as refugees or got deported and those who recently emigrated from the country. The President believes that it is time to improve the Citizenship Law according to the long-term interests of the state in order to ensure and promote the preservation of the totality of Latvian citizens. Latvijas Avize, Diena

Yesterday, the government granted citizenship to 212 persons who went trough the naturalisation process. 72% of new citizens are ethnic Russians, 11% - Ukrainians, 11% - Belorussians. In total, 135,206 persons received Latvian citizenship since the naturalisation process begun in 1995.

Yesterday, the government granted citizenship to 212 persons who went trough the naturalisation process. 72% of new citizens are ethnic Russians, 11% - Ukrainians, 11% - Belorussians. In total, 135,206 persons received Latvian citizenship since the naturalisation process begun in 1995. Telegraf

Yesterday, the Saeima Committee on Education and Culture discussed situation around state language issues with representatives of the State Language Centre and the State Language Agency. According to them, Russian speaking residents refuse to use their Latvian language proficiency at work and everyday life. The institutions also complain about insufficient funding for more effective work.

Yesterday, the Saeima Committee on Education and Culture discussed situation around state language issues with representatives of the State Language Centre and the State Language Agency. According to them, Russian speaking residents refuse to use their Latvian language proficiency at work and everyday life. The institutions also complain about insufficient funding for more effective work. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya,