Russian presence in Baltic states - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - influenced political and historical development of these states for centuries. Latter were under Russian rule already since 18th century. There was a short period after the fist world war when Baltic states enjoyed independence, however after 1940 they were integrated into Soviet Union.
In 1990 Baltic states sought to regain their independence again. Soviet Union left a sizable ethnic Russian population in Baltic states, which is facing discrimination and inequality in compare with majority of population in these states. The largest ethnic Russian minority is in Latvia and Estonia. Data shows that: in Estonia 10-15 percent of state is populated by Russian Orthodox, in Latvia the 32.38% of the population are ethnic Russians and less than 10% of Lithuanian population is Russian-speaking minority.
After the collapse of Soviet Union, Russian - speaking population in Baltic states were excluded from citizenry of Baltic states and they often became stateless. Consequently they are not able to enjoy many rights such as: right to vote, right to join political organizations, they could not establish any political organizations nor they can directly acquire ownership of land, hold public office or work in government institutions.
Such treatment of the Russian population in Baltic states has destabilized the relations between Russian Federation and Baltic states. From the Russian side there are often complaints because of exclusion of large Russian speaking minority, while Baltic states are concerned about interference of Russian Federation into the politic of Baltic states. For example in Latvia , there is left-leaning pro-Russian rights Harmony Center, which keep tight bounds with Russian Federation.
Regarding the issue of Russian population in Baltic states, we asked the delegate of Russia following question: It is known that Russian Federations holds the position that the issue of minorities has to be dealt with in various ways by each individual state. So how would you explain frequent interference of Russian Federation into the politic of the Baltic states regarding the remaining large Russian minority population in these states?
Her answer was that: "Russian Federation considers minorities as internal affair as long as they are not rustily violated. we are aware of all rights that belong to minorities and we also ensure these rights. however Baltic states have fell to ensure the basic rights and international community can no longer support or ignore all these people that have been in Baltic states for so many years, but they are still stateless. Baltic states can not prevent people from gaining citizenship. we do not consider our acts as intervention, but it is rather necessary and very brave fight for human rights. "
Minorities often strive towards a sovereign state. Their claims reflect their wishes. However, reality shows that in most cases this is not possible. What is thus necessary and attainable for all ethnicities?
"One nation one states ambition is not realizable. Of course every minority has its own identity has its own tradition, it's own culture and it may not be favourized by the majority of population, thus the government must try to manage in integrate all ethnicities into the community to prevent discrimination and inter-ethnic conflict and therefore we believe that our main concern should be focused on the prevention of xenophobia, violence and discrimination."
The population of the Russian Federation consists of about 80% ethnic Russians. Ethnic groups are unevenly spread and the preference for the largest ethnicity could be a cause for conflict. The indigenous people in various parts of the Federation are not equally represented in the elective bodies, with the number of representatives not reflecting the make up of the population in a given district or republic. Can any serious legislation to protect the rights, interests and hopes of the indigenous peoples be adopted?
"Regarding the indigenous people in Siberia, North Russia and Far East, they are very scatter so we are striving for emerging some territorial units in order to provide better administrative and also economic efficiency."
For more information watch the interview with the delegate of Russian Federation:
Aleksandra Đurđević
Source:
European Parliament. 2013. The Russian minority in the Baltic States and the enlargement of the EU. Available at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/enlargement/briefings/42a2_en.htm
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This is a series of articles on the topic 'inter-ethnic issues involving minorities', the aim of which is to examine particular/current issues that different states are facing
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