Translated material
Why do I need citizenship of Latvia
In the opposition
Why do I need citizenship of Latvia
November 6, 2013 Harry Kasparov
Information about my appeal to the deputies of the Latvian Sejm with a request to provide me with citizenship of Latvia today has been a whole flurry of comments from many Russian politicians and journalists. I would immediately like to note: dual citizenship, which in itself does not contradict Russian legislation, has long been no longer something extraordinary in the modern global world. Nevertheless, the current situation requires me to explain the reasons for my decision.
Many people know that a month ago I announced my intention to run for the presidency of an international chess organization - FIDE. Participation in the election campaign, as well as working as President FIDE, requires constant movement around the world. For several months that remained before the elections that will be held at the FIDE Congress in Tromo, I have to visit more than fifty countries, including already in November, during my Asian trip, I plan to meet with representatives of seven federations. In the conditions when my main rival is the former president of Kalmykia Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a person who has managed the federation for the nineteenth year and enjoying the support of the current Russian government, I cannot entrust the issue of freedom of my movements into the hands of the Putin Foreign Ministry. First of all, this circumstance caused my desire to obtain dual citizenship.
At the same time, I did not accidentally address the authorities of Latvia, and not some other state. For many years, a special relationship is associated with this country. During my childhood, when I just started moving to the top of world chess, we were all part of a single chess space. In Riga, which had a wonderful chess school, children's and youth tournaments were regularly held, the participation and victories in which contributed to my formation as a chess player and left bright memories for life. In addition, the circumstances of my family life played a special role in my attitude to Latvia. My ex -wife is a citizen of Latvia, and my son has a residence permit and regularly happens in Riga. It is also very important for me that modern Latvia is a democratic state that has successfully overcome the consequences of the totalitarian regime and integrated peoples integrated into the European family, which, I hope, in the near historical perspective, Russia can also become. To me as a participant in the Russian democratic movement, in 1990-1991, consistently advocated for the independence of the Baltic states, it is especially pleasant to observe the current successes of Latvia.
Finally, the decisive circumstance was the entry into force in October of this year of amendments to Latvian legislation, allowing the citizenship of this state, without abandoning the Russian passport, since such a voluntary refusal is absolutely unacceptable and unthinkable for me.
In conclusion, I can’t help but react to statements by a number of Russian commentators who hastened to conduct me from Russian politics, or even “deprive Russian citizenship”. I have repeatedly stated and can confirm once again that Russia's liberation from the Putin regime and its transformation into a democratic legal European state have been and remain a priority for me. The fact of my temporary forced absence in Russia does not change anything in this regard.
Photo: EPA/ITAR-TASS
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