Non-citizens Of Latvia Will Not Become Citizens Of European Union

Non-citizens of Latvia will not become citizens of the European Union (EU). The country's joining EU will not change the status of half a million of the permanent non-citizen inhabitants. The law on citizenship will not be "open". This statement was made by the foreign affairs minister of Latvia Indulis Berzins in his interview, which was published on Wednesday in the Russian newspaper "Tchas" in Riga. According to Berzins, "the Russians in Latvia will have to obtain Latvia's citizenship to thereafter become EU citizens". Not only the ruling elite of Latvia holds this position. In his opinion, "OSCE and EU do not require any further amendments to the law, as it provides an opportunity for everyone to obtain citizenship". Reference is only made to "facilitation of certain specific regulations of naturalization" According to Berzins, the Russians in Latvia after their naturalization will be provided with an opportunity to become "first Russian Eurocitizens". "In my view, it is a good prospect", - said the head of the Latvian foreign policy agency - O - (VAS/lio) 10/05/01 12:13