From: MSN NicknameEagle_wng (Original Message) Sent: 12/27/2006 6:25 AM
20.12.2006 13:14 MSK
European Commission troubled by violations of rights of Georgians in Russia
FRANCE, Strasbourg. In accordance with its mandate to combat racism and racial discrimination, the 46 member states of the Europe Union European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECARI) has expressed its deep apprehension concerning recent events affecting Russian citizens of Georgian nationality and citizens of Georgia in Russia, reported the press-service of the European Union on December 18.
In a statement, accepted on December 15 by the 41 member plenary meeting, ECARI said: " Actions, which in many instances were accomplished under the pretext of crime control and illegal immigration, consisted of detention and deportation, which in a number of cases led to the loss of those detained, and also caused complaints of oppression. ECARI deeply regrets that such measures were accepted and undertaken by the organs of power against an ethnic group.
In accordance with the recommendations contained in the Third Report on the Russian Federation, published on May 16, 2006, ECARI emphasizes the need the Russian authorities to guarantee the rule of law with respect to those of Georgian nationality, and representatives of any other group of minorities, as well as strict observance of principles of nondiscrimination in accordance with the standards of the European Union".
The European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance is an independent monitoring organ of the European Union in opposition to racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and intolerance. ECARI's activities are directed toward fighting violence, discrimination, and prejudice with respect to persons or groups of persons with regard to race, skin color, language, religion, nationality, citizenship, and national or ethnic affiliation. ECARI activities include monitoring, work on general issues, and activities in cooperation with the civic community.
Translated by OM Kenney
PRIMA-NEWS Agency [2006-12-18-Rus-08]\
http://www.prima-news.ru/eng/news/news/2006/12/20/37338.html