MosNews U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said her country is concerned about a new Russian bill on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which has been adopted by the <NOBR>State Duma</NOBR>, the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, in a first reading, Interfax reported.
Both the United States, non-governmental organizations and even certain Russian officials view this legislation as a matter of concern, Rice said during a press conference in Kiev, <NOBR>Ukraine</NOBR>, on Wednesday.
The United States has voiced this concern at all levels in Russia and hopes that the Russian authorities will continue to treat non-governmental organizations as a crucial contributor to the country’s sustainable economic development, she said.
Non-governmental organizations play an increasingly important role both in Russia and other former Soviet republics, the U.S. secretary of state added.
The bill, given preliminary backing by the State Duma two weeks ago, would severely restrict all NGOs, and foreign-funded groups in particular.
It would require local branches of foreign NGOs to reregister as virtual Russian entities, subject to stricter financial and legal restrictions. The legislation also would give government officials greater control over the operation of both foreign- and local-funded groups, allowing authorities to oversee their financial flows and activities.
Critics have said the measure would solidify Kremlin control of Russian society. Human Rights Watch and Greenpeace have said they may have to shut their Russian operations if the legislation becomes law.
Meanwhile, Rice praised Ukraine’s civil society, describing it as very strong and active. The United States pins high hopes on non-governmental organizations in Ukraine and is very optimistic about their future, she said. http://www.mosnews.com/news/2005/12/07/ricengos.shtml
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