17 June 2004 20:03
Russian Interior Ministry, human rights supremo, to cooperate
Moscow, 17 June: The Russian Interior Ministry and Russia's human rights ombudsman are joining efforts to
protect civic liberties. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Chekalin and Vladimir Lukin met today and agreed to
arrange for a regular information exchange concerning any instances of human rights violations in the country. The
agreement will soon be underpinned by a special memorandum of cooperation, Russian Interior Ministry's press
service has told ITAR-TASS.
It is thought that the ombudsman's office will "inform the Interior Ministry about all instances of
violations by police". For its part, the ministry is ready to present expert opinions and proposals to work out
specific measures to prevent violations of human rights and liberties. The sides plan to hold joint conferences once
every six months.
The Interior Ministry and the ombudsman have decided to work together to provide legal education for policemen,
including those attending the Interior Ministry's educational establishments and to work out proposals to improve
the law and the procedures for its application in the area of human rights protection.
[ITAR-TASS news agency] |
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