Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima declined the amendments to the Citizenship Law suggested by the "People's Harmony" faction. The amendments provide for the abolishment of "window" naturalization mechanism, simplified naturalization tests for elderly persons and an "automatic" granting of citizenship to children born in Latvia after May 4, 1990. Twenty-one Saeima members supported the amendments, thirty-four voted against them while seventeen parliament members abstained. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK opposed the amendments stressing that the party would rather leave the Cabinet than agree to any changes in the Citizenship Law. The discussion of the amendments may be resumed after some time since "Saimnieks" is planning to draft its own naturalization-related amendments to the Latvian legislation.

Yesterday the Saeima declined the amendments to the Citizenship Law suggested by the "People's Harmony" faction. The amendments provide for the abolishment of "window" naturalization mechanism, simplified naturalization tests for elderly persons and an "automatic" granting of citizenship to children born in Latvia after May 4, 1990. Twenty-one Saeima members supported the amendments, thirty-four voted against them while seventeen parliament members abstained. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK opposed the amendments stressing that the party would rather leave the Cabinet than agree to any changes in the Citizenship Law. The discussion of the amendments may be resumed after some time since "Saimnieks" is planning to draft its own naturalization-related amendments to the Latvian legislation. Diena

Member of the "People's Harmony" faction Vladlen Dozortsev was interviewed by "PANORAMA LATVII" on yesterday's voting in the Saeima. Mr. Dozortsev noted that abolishing the "window mechanism" would not lead to a dramatic increase in the number of non-citizens applying for naturalization. He quoted Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane who forecast that only forty to forty-five thousand non-citizens would have applied for citizenship if the mechanism was canceled. Mr. Dozortsev believes that the absence of clear ethnic policy accounts for lack of interest toward citizenship among non-citizens. Although President Ulmanis speaks about Latvia's achievements in solving minority issues, his statements remain plain political rhetoric. Dozortsev stressed that the situation would not change under the current Government while "Europe was making definite conclusions" about the situation in Latvia.

Member of the "People's Harmony" faction Vladlen Dozortsev was interviewed by "PANORAMA LATVII" on yesterday's voting in the Saeima. Mr. Dozortsev noted that abolishing the "window mechanism" would not lead to a dramatic increase in the number of non-citizens applying for naturalization. He quoted Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane who forecast that only forty to forty-five thousand non-citizens would have applied for citizenship if the mechanism was canceled. Mr. Dozortsev believes that the absence of clear ethnic policy accounts for lack of interest toward citizenship among non-citizens. Although President Ulmanis speaks about Latvia's achievements in solving minority issues, his statements remain plain political rhetoric. Dozortsev stressed that the situation would not change under the current Government while "Europe was making definite conclusions" about the situation in Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Excerpts for Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts' interview for

Excerpts for Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts' interview for SM (October 17, 1997)

- It is often said that there is "Tevzemei un Brivibai", a radical nationalistic party one the one hand and pragmatic politicians Krasts and Zile on the other. Such statements suggest that you adhere to a different ideology. Have you felt a contradiction between state interests and your party program?"TB" follows the principles of a realistic policy. Its conservatism lies only in following the principle of continuity of the First Republic. We have a more liberal economic program than the one pursued by "Latvijas Cels". As for radical nationalism, people in Latvia have become very pragmatic, hence there are no radical nationalistic parties in the country at least among those known to me. "TB" radicalism cannot be even compared to the policies of nationalist parties represented in West European parliaments.- You declared two antithetical principles during last "TB" conference. As a Prime-Minister your spoke about the importance of the border agreement with Russia. But then you said that you would do everything you can to reserve a reference to the 1920 Treaty. Is it a polite gesture to your party?

- It is often said that there is "Tevzemei un Brivibai", a radical nationalistic party one the one hand and pragmatic politicians Krasts and Zile on the other. Such statements suggest that you adhere to a different ideology. Have you felt a contradiction between state interests and your party program?"TB" follows the principles of a realistic policy. Its conservatism lies only in following the principle of continuity of the First Republic. We have a more liberal economic program than the one pursued by "Latvijas Cels". As for radical nationalism, people in Latvia have become very pragmatic, hence there are no radical nationalistic parties in the country at least among those known to me. "TB" radicalism cannot be even compared to the policies of nationalist parties represented in West European parliaments.- You declared two antithetical principles during last "TB" conference. As a Prime-Minister your spoke about the importance of the border agreement with Russia. But then you said that you would do everything you can to reserve a reference to the 1920 Treaty. Is it a polite gesture to your party?
Still, "TB" is not the only party willing to refer to 1920! This can be done without damaging the Agreement itself. The reference is of great importance to Latvia, since Latvia's independence was guaranteed once and for all in 1920 and Russia has voluntarily recognized itself a successor of the USSR.- During your recent visit to Valmiera you forecast a notable improvement of economic relations with Russia. Russian Government officials stress that no improvement is possible until the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia is improved. What is the basis of your optimism?
Integration to the European Union, closer co-operation with the OSCE, and, most of all, the "open doors" policy promoted by Yeltsin show that political reasons started prevailing over ideological "cover" in Russia. Russia will become involved in international economic activities. A huge economic system is seeking to enter the world which makes impossible a selective approach to certain regions. Let's not forget property forms have change in Russia as well. Private business will act according to its profit and not under instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.- Does this mean that you do nor see any problem in non-citizens' situation?
The European Union does not take into consideration "the Russian opinion" on this aspect. Latvia's policy toward national minorities is evaluated quite positively by the EU that places Latvia's minority policy among most democratic approaches to the problem in Europe. The problem of non-citizens should be viewed in a broader sense and many observers have already agreed to such an approach. Merely granting citizenship to all non-citizens will only create new problems. - What are these problems?
Let us not forget Bosnia. A dual-community society. Language problems will arise immediately. First, there should be a real intention to receive citizenship. Still there is no such intention since only 5% of those who could undergo naturalization have used the right.- Are you, being a state leader, concerned about such alienation of a vast part of the people from its country?
The thing is that in Europe a wish to live in a country not being its citizen brings about serious difficulties as well. In our case it is ten employment restrictions. I believe that the list should be shortened. Restrictions for pharmacists, firemen, lawyers seem to be a result of lobbying by professional groups attempting to eliminate competition. Being a consumer, I support competition.
Still, there is no other incentives to applying for citizenship apart from the ten restrictions. All other rights are almost equal. In other European countries the incentives embrace economic domain while we are lacking economic motivation. It is easier to do business in Russia, Byelorussia and other former USSR countries (apart from Ukraine) holding a former USSR passport. It makes life easier in all respects, starting with hotel accommodation and ending with concluding of contracts. Certainly, there is still another part of non-citizens that does not consider Latvia an independent state.- What do you think about Mr. Soros' opinion who said that this is a result of the state policy, since normally integration should become faster under economic stabilization processes?
I talked with him personally and explained that the coming couple of years will be a decisive period for non-citizens to make up their minds on whether it is worth to connect their lives with Latvia and to take the country's citizenship. Economic stabilization will show that Latvia is viable while approaching the EU will make citizenship even more desirable.- Still, your party always believed that it would be better for the country if "colonists" and "occupants" left it? Is it a contradiction? The Citizenship Law has been adopted. We act in compliance with the Law and we recognize it.- Still, what is your personal opinion. Would it be better for the state if these people left the country? I support individual freedom allowing everyone to decide for himself or herself on where to live. The rules are known and I am confident that prosperity awaits Latvia.- You were one of the founders of the Congress of Citizens. The Congress registered candidates for citizenship even before the country regained its independence and promised to grant citizenship to registered candidates after it takes power in the country. Isn't it time to fulfill the promises? I think that the promise has been fulfilled. As you know 37% of Russian-speakers received citizenship and I guess they are those who registered themselves with the Committee. SM

Press Report

Last Tuesday (October 14) the President's Consultative Council on Nationality Affairs held a discussion of the Draft Law on the State Language. The Council invited several experts on language issues to its meeting. Director of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa pointed to a certain decrease in the level of demands for the knowledge and the application of the state language. She supported the provision of Draft Law that required a mandatory use of the Latvian language in private enterprises including verbal communication. Head of the Language Training Program Aija Priedite disagreed with Ms. Hirsa noting that private and public domains should not be confused in the Law. She referred to the similar assessment of the "stricter" version of the Law by the

Last Tuesday (October 14) the President's Consultative Council on Nationality Affairs held a discussion of the Draft Law on the State Language. The Council invited several experts on language issues to its meeting. Director of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa pointed to a certain decrease in the level of demands for the knowledge and the application of the state language. She supported the provision of Draft Law that required a mandatory use of the Latvian language in private enterprises including verbal communication. Head of the Language Training Program Aija Priedite disagreed with Ms. Hirsa noting that private and public domains should not be confused in the Law. She referred to the similar assessment of the "stricter" version of the Law by the Saeima Committee on Education and Culture and by the Saeima Human Rights Committee. Member of the Consultative Council Ms. Tatyana Liguta believes further restrictions on the use of languages other than Latvian to be undemocratic. The Language Law should define the role of internationally used languages, such as Russian and English, believes Ms. Liguta. She suggested to let schools to decide whether they will improve their pupils' knowledge of the Latvian language by increasing the number of language classes or by teaching part of the subjects in Latvian. President Ulmanis promised to proceed with the analysis of the Language Law. He said that he was aware of the importance of the Law and warned against thoughtless decisions that might build up confrontation within the society. Diena

Yesterday the State Human Rights Office held a discussion of the social rights situation in Latvia. The agenda included the observance of an individual's right for acceptable living standard, social security and employment. Participants of the discussion admitted that the social rights situation in the country was unsatisfactory. Head of Human Rights Office Olafs Bruveris referred to Latvia's international obligations in the social domain. The Office will analyze the observance of the International Pact on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights by Latvia.

Yesterday the State Human Rights Office held a discussion of the social rights situation in Latvia. The agenda included the observance of an individual's right for acceptable living standard, social security and employment. Participants of the discussion admitted that the social rights situation in the country was unsatisfactory. Head of Human Rights Office Olafs Bruveris referred to Latvia's international obligations in the social domain. The Office will analyze the observance of the International Pact on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights by Latvia. Neatkariga

Today the

Today the Saeima is to vote on the canceling of window mechanism. According to "CHAS", "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction Chairman Janis Straume agreed that the discussion of the issue "was possible". He also reminded about the agreement between the governing factions that did not allow to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, head of the "Saimnieks" Ernests Jurkans believes that the amendments to the law could be adopted by the Saeima. Chas, SM

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights Committee voted against abolishing the "window mechanism". The abolishment of the naturalization "window mechanism" was supported only by two Committee members (independent MP Viktors Kalnberzs and Vladlen Dozortsev of "People's Harmony"). President Ulmanis has not made any suggestions on amending the Citizenship Law although he is known to support the canceling of "the window mechanism". The President's non-involvement in the discussion is explained by his concern about a possible government crisis that may be caused by amending the Citizenship Law. "Saimnieks" Deputy-Chairman Viesturs Boka told "DIENA" that the party could not accept the situation when one faction (ATB@/LNNK) did allow the governing coalition to discuss the issue. Still, "Saimnieks" would not like the discussion to impede the adoption of the state budget. "Latvijas Cels" admits the necessity of amending the "Citizenship Law" but does not believe it to be possible at the present moment due to a possible government crisis.

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights Committee voted against abolishing the "window mechanism". The abolishment of the naturalization "window mechanism" was supported only by two Committee members (independent MP Viktors Kalnberzs and Vladlen Dozortsev of "People's Harmony"). President Ulmanis has not made any suggestions on amending the Citizenship Law although he is known to support the canceling of "the window mechanism". The President's non-involvement in the discussion is explained by his concern about a possible government crisis that may be caused by amending the Citizenship Law. "Saimnieks" Deputy-Chairman Viesturs Boka told "DIENA" that the party could not accept the situation when one faction (ATB@/LNNK) did allow the governing coalition to discuss the issue. Still, "Saimnieks" would not like the discussion to impede the adoption of the state budget. "Latvijas Cels" admits the necessity of amending the "Citizenship Law" but does not believe it to be possible at the present moment due to a possible government crisis. Diena

Yesterday the Consultative Council on Nationalities discussed the alternative draft Law on the State Language. The Saeima has adopted the first reading of the draft. According to Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis, the draft Law is more liberal that the similar draft by the Cabinet of Ministers. The basic difference between the two documents lies in their approach to the application of the Latvian language in school education. The draft by the Cabinet of Ministers provides for a full transition to education in the Latvian language by 2005. The draft Law by the Committee requires that only half of the courses in the Russian language schools are read in Latvian by that date. Apart from education, the most disputed points of the Law are the use of the state language at public gatherings and the mandatory notarized translation of all documents submitted to state institutions.

Yesterday the Consultative Council on Nationalities discussed the alternative draft Law on the State Language. The Saeima has adopted the first reading of the draft. According to Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis, the draft Law is more liberal that the similar draft by the Cabinet of Ministers. The basic difference between the two documents lies in their approach to the application of the Latvian language in school education. The draft by the Cabinet of Ministers provides for a full transition to education in the Latvian language by 2005. The draft Law by the Committee requires that only half of the courses in the Russian language schools are read in Latvian by that date. Apart from education, the most disputed points of the Law are the use of the state language at public gatherings and the mandatory notarized translation of all documents submitted to state institutions. Diena

Deputy-Director of the Human Rights Institute under the Latvian State University Martins Mits criticizes the Law on the Constitutional ("Satversme") Court for restricting the authority of the Court. The Satversme Court can resolve conflicts arising between higher State institutions. Even the Human Rights Bureau cannot appeal to the Satversme Court and can only request the Court to analyze the compliance of legal acts with the Satversme. Mr. Mits believes that all individuals should be given the right to apply to the Satversme Court, observance of human rights being a priority in a democratic state.

Deputy-Director of the Human Rights Institute under the Latvian State University Martins Mits criticizes the Law on the Constitutional ("Satversme") Court for restricting the authority of the Court. The Satversme Court can resolve conflicts arising between higher State institutions. Even the Human Rights Bureau cannot appeal to the Satversme Court and can only request the Court to analyze the compliance of legal acts with the Satversme. Mr. Mits believes that all individuals should be given the right to apply to the Satversme Court, observance of human rights being a priority in a democratic state. Diena

The Latvian Human Rights Committee circulated a statement on recent provocations against the Committee. Unknown burglars have broken into the Committee office, members of the Committee are harassed over the phone and one of its members was attacked in the street by two unidentified individuals. The Committee will inform international human rights organizations about the provocations.

The Latvian Human Rights Committee circulated a statement on recent provocations against the Committee. Unknown burglars have broken into the Committee office, members of the Committee are harassed over the phone and one of its members was attacked in the street by two unidentified individuals. The Committee will inform international human rights organizations about the provocations. SM

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the "People's Harmony" faction submitted its proposals on removing the "window mechanism" provisions from the Citizenship Law to the Saeima Presidium. The amendments also provide for granting Latvian citizenship to all persons born in the country after May 4, 1990, if the "Law on Former USSR Citizens who are not Citizens of Latvia or another State" cannot be applied to such persons. "PH" also suggested to simplify naturalization tests for pensioners.

Yesterday the "People's Harmony" faction submitted its proposals on removing the "window mechanism" provisions from the Citizenship Law to the Saeima Presidium. The amendments also provide for granting Latvian citizenship to all persons born in the country after May 4, 1990, if the "Law on Former USSR Citizens who are not Citizens of Latvia or another State" cannot be applied to such persons. "PH" also suggested to simplify naturalization tests for pensioners. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK and "Latvijas Cels" object to the suggested amendments while "Saimnieks" is expected to express its official opinion today. member of "TB"/LNNK faction Aigars Jirgens told "DIENA that the party would never accept the amendments even if its firm standpoint caused a government crisis. "LC" Secretary General Lorencs agreed that it was necessary to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, amending the Law was impossible since it would lead to a government crisis, said Mr. Lorencs. Today the Saeima Human Rights Committee is starting a discussion of "window mechanism" and on differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. Most of the Parliament members interviewed by "BIZNES & BALTIYA" on the issue believe that "naturalization windows" should be abolished. Still, they do not believe that a discussion of the issue could lead to a government crisis. "TB"/LNNK Deputy-Chairman Dobelis told "B&B" that the party would never agree to any amendments to the Citizenship Law. Diena, B&B

"People's Harmony" member Janis Urbanovics in an article for "DIENA" stresses that the initial purpose of choosing the "window mechanism" as a basic naturalization scheme was to avoid lines at the Naturalization Board Offices. Now, when there is no signs of non-citizens rushing to obtain citizenship, the "widows" are considered not as a purely technical norm but as means of "preserving the domination of ethnic Latvians in the country's political life." Mr. Urbanovics stresses that the term "domination" is a thin disguise for the fear to lose seats in the Saeima during the next elections. He also believes that employment restrictions were introduced to avoid competition with non-citizens in such profitable domains as legal advice and pharmacology. The author of the article argues with those who oppose granting non-citizens the right to participate in local elections by referring to generally accepted European practice. He stresses that foreigners residing in Western countries have entered the countries being aware of their immigrant status. Non-citizens in Latvia have been living in the country for years and had the rights equal to those enjoyed by current citizens. They lost several of their rights after Latvia regained its independence. Therefore, Western practice cannot be applied to them, believes Mr. Urbanovics. Mr. Urbanovics fully agrees with the European Commission that criticized the 1994 Amnesty. The amnesty was applied only to citizens, and the author calls the Law on the Amnesty "an outrageous injustice." He also criticizes the regulations on the status of the unemployed that require the knowledge of the Latvian language by all applicants for unemployment benefits. Mr. Urbanovics opinion on the draft Education Law and the draft Language Law is negative as well. He refers to the assessment of the Education Law by the Saeima Human Rights Committee. The Committee characterized the draft Law as "discriminating and not complying with Latvia's international obligations." Mr. Urbanovics believes that the Council of Europe could clearly see the difference between integration and assimilation, the latter being encouraged by the draft Education Law. He stresses that Latvia has no other choice but to follow recommendations given by the European Commission. The article outlines several points mentioned in the report by the Commission. Those points are as follows:

"People's Harmony" member Janis Urbanovics in an article for "DIENA" stresses that the initial purpose of choosing the "window mechanism" as a basic naturalization scheme was to avoid lines at the Naturalization Board Offices. Now, when there is no signs of non-citizens rushing to obtain citizenship, the "widows" are considered not as a purely technical norm but as means of "preserving the domination of ethnic Latvians in the country's political life." Mr. Urbanovics stresses that the term "domination" is a thin disguise for the fear to lose seats in the Saeima during the next elections. He also believes that employment restrictions were introduced to avoid competition with non-citizens in such profitable domains as legal advice and pharmacology. The author of the article argues with those who oppose granting non-citizens the right to participate in local elections by referring to generally accepted European practice. He stresses that foreigners residing in Western countries have entered the countries being aware of their immigrant status. Non-citizens in Latvia have been living in the country for years and had the rights equal to those enjoyed by current citizens. They lost several of their rights after Latvia regained its independence. Therefore, Western practice cannot be applied to them, believes Mr. Urbanovics. Mr. Urbanovics fully agrees with the European Commission that criticized the 1994 Amnesty. The amnesty was applied only to citizens, and the author calls the Law on the Amnesty "an outrageous injustice." He also criticizes the regulations on the status of the unemployed that require the knowledge of the Latvian language by all applicants for unemployment benefits. Mr. Urbanovics opinion on the draft Education Law and the draft Language Law is negative as well. He refers to the assessment of the Education Law by the Saeima Human Rights Committee. The Committee characterized the draft Law as "discriminating and not complying with Latvia's international obligations." Mr. Urbanovics believes that the Council of Europe could clearly see the difference between integration and assimilation, the latter being encouraged by the draft Education Law. He stresses that Latvia has no other choice but to follow recommendations given by the European Commission. The article outlines several points mentioned in the report by the Commission. Those points are as follows:

- Non-citizens in Latvia do not have a guaranteed right to own land;

- Non-citizens in Latvia do not have a guaranteed right to own land;

- The Citizenship Law does has little effect due to the "window mechanism", minors born in Latvia are not granted citizenship;

- The Citizenship Law does has little effect due to the "window mechanism", minors born in Latvia are not granted citizenship;

- Non-citizens' employment rights are restricted;

- Non-citizens' employment rights are restricted;

- Last amnesty was applied only to citizens.

- Last amnesty was applied only to citizens.

- Latvia has not adopted the Law on Education for National Minorities.

- Latvia has not adopted the Law on Education for National Minorities. Diena

Excerpts from President Ulmanis address to the Council of Europe Summit on October 10, 1997.

Excerpts from President Ulmanis address to the Council of Europe Summit on October 10, 1997.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Another issue I would like to address is the rights and the identity of national minorities. I am happy that Latvia has ratified the European Human Rights Convention this year. We shall proceed with acceding other conventions and charters adopted by the Council of Europe. Human and minority rights are of special importance to us, these rights having been regained after the years of Soviet lawlessness. The modernization of Latvia is a conjunction of two policies. National identity of Latvians and our national state are important to us. At the same time, protection of the rights of national minorities are of similar importance and priority. We see the two processes that add to each other. The forming of a harmonious and consolidated society in Latvia, as in any other European country, requires both policies. The Latvian society develops peacefully without any ethnicity-related conflicts. Preserving a balance between these two policies and forming a future society that would involve all the country's inhabitants is a task to be accomplished by a joint effort of our politicians. The rights of national minorities as well as other democratic values will be guaranteed in a balance with the values that strengthen the national identity of our state. Excerpts from President Ulmanis' press-conference upon his return to Riga. Human rights were thoroughly discussed. I would stress that the issue should be regarded in a broad context. The Baltic countries were not mentioned specially in that connection. I had another confirmation of the appropriateness of our policy. No-one can criticize Latvia for violating human rights to leave alone separate violations by bureaucratic machinery.

Another issue I would like to address is the rights and the identity of national minorities.I am happy that Latvia has ratified the European Human Rights Convention this year. We shall proceed with acceding other conventions and charters adopted by the Council of Europe. Human and minority rights are of special importance to us, these rights having been regained after the years of Soviet lawlessness. The modernization of Latvia is a conjunction of two policies. National identity of Latvians and our national state are important to us. At the same time, protection of the rights of national minorities are of similar importance and priority. We see the two processes that add to each other. The forming of a harmonious and consolidated society in Latvia, as in any other European country, requires both policies. The Latvian society develops peacefully without any ethnicity-related conflicts. Preserving a balance between these two policies and forming a future society that would involve all the country's inhabitants is a task to be accomplished by a joint effort of our politicians. The rights of national minorities as well as other democratic values will be guaranteed in a balance with the values that strengthen the national identity of our state. Excerpts from President Ulmanis' press-conference upon his return to Riga. Human rights were thoroughly discussed. I would stress that the issue should be regarded in a broad context. The Baltic countries were not mentioned specially in that connection. I had another confirmation of the appropriateness of our policy. No-one can criticize Latvia for violating human rights to leave alone separate violations by bureaucratic machinery. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

Head of the Naturalization Board Ms. Eizenija Aldermane in an interview for

Head of the Naturalization Board Ms. Eizenija Aldermane in an interview for "DIENA" named a feeling of alienation and passivity main reasons for the low pace of the naturalization process. She does not believe that the Saeima will accept amendments to the Citizenship Law suggested by Head of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts. The amendments provide for canceling the so-called "window mechanism." Ms. Aldermane said that the recent research showed the existence of two separate communities in Latvia. Still, both citizens and non-citizens display distrust toward the Government. The research is performed by the "Baltijas datu nams" company with the participation of the State Human Rights Office, the Ministry of education and Science, the CID, the Soros Foundation and the OSCE. Ms. Aldermane hopes that the research will give the most objective information that would be of essential importance for the program of integration of non-Latvians. Ms. Aldermane stressed that the Naturalization Board cannot be blamed for a low naturalization rate. The Board is doing its best to encourage non-citizens to undergo naturalization. Diena

Head of the Naturalization Board Aldermane was also interviewed by

Head of the Naturalization Board Aldermane was also interviewed by "PANORAMA LATVII". Ms. Aldermane spoke in support of abolishing the "window mechanism". She explained the lack of interest toward naturalization among non-citizens by their practical approach to citizenship. She believes that advantages enjoyed by citizens should not be the main motivation for taking citizenship. PL