Press Report

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 "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