Baltic States – CIS, Direct Speech, Latvia, Legislation, Russia

The fact that Latvia has the closest economic relations with Russia among all Baltic States is an important precondition for successful development of mutual relations. Moreover, Russian residents feel much more comfortable in Riga than in Tallinn or Vilnius. Riga is a large and historically international city. It is not a capital of small province, it is a large regional center, points out Trenin.

The issue of non-citizens hampers Latvian-Russian relations. However, it is slowly being solved, explains the expert.

According to Trenin, a binational community is possible in Latvia. He believes that the situation is different in Lithuania and Estonia.

Trenin also believes that Latvia is the most tolerant and open Baltic country, and Latvia's politicians have considerable resources for establishing "normal" relations with Russia.