Federal agencies to hold consultations on NGO laws

11 Jan, 2007 12:46 / Updated 17 years ago

Federal agencies in Russia will consult non-governmental organizations about new laws targeting NGOs which have been criticized by human rights activists.

President Putin has instructed the Trade Ministry and other departments to hold the talks. Putin said the consultations should be professional and specific. NGOs in Russia were forced to register, leading to criticism that they were being placed under government control.