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For Russians In Latvia, Citizenship Is Tricky, But Sights Are Set On Europe


For Russians In Latvia, Citizenship Is Tricky, But Sights Are Set On Europe
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As the crisis in Ukraine highlights the country's ethnic divisions, some observers are keeping close watch on other countries with significant Russian minorities -- in particular, the three Baltic states. While Lithuania granted citizenship to all residents after the Soviet breakup, regardless of ethnicity, Latvia and Estonia designated Soviet-era migrants as non-citizens. Today, some 13 percent of Latvia's population are Russian-speaking non-citizens without the right to vote. The citizenship issue -- combined with fears of Moscow's influence -- has raised tensions, but many Russian speakers in Latvia say their future is set firmly in the European Union. (Produced by Alexandru Eftode and Margot Buff)

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