Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Russia

Kasparov explains that contemporary Latvia is a stable and democratic country, which has successfully overcome the consequences of totalitarian rule and has integrated in the family of European nations. Kasparov hopes that Russia will also be able to become part of this family sometime in the future, as he points out in his statement on Facebook.

Kasparov points out that, as a member of Russia's democratic movement who supported Baltic independence in 1990 and 1991, he finds it particularly delightful to observe Latvia's success these days.

He admits that it is no coincidence that he has applied for Latvian citizenship, saying that he has had special relations with Latvia for many years.

Kasparov explains that participation in children's and youth chess tournaments in Riga has facilitated his development as a chess player and left life-long memories.

Kasparov's family has also played a special role in his relations with Latvia. "My ex-wife is a citizen of Latvia, but my son has a residence permit and visits Riga on a regular basis," says the champion.

He also admits that the main reason behind his decision to apply for Latvian citizenship is a desire for freedom of movement, which is particularly important now that he is running for the position of World Chess Federation (FIDE) president.

Kasparov explains that his main rival is Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the former president of the Republic of Kalmykia in the Russian Federation, who has been the federation's head for the past 20 years and is supported by Russia. Kasparov says that he cannot entrust Russian President Vladimir Putin's Foreign Ministry with his freedom of movement.