"I was impressed with Russia's approach to human rights issue," Ms. Arbour announced during a meeting with students from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).
Answering a question posed by one of the students regarding her attitude toward the fate of Russian-speaking population in Latvia, Ms. Arbour pointed out that despite her institution did not tackle this issue directly, she considered the current situation "very complicated."
Ms. Arbour added she was concerned about the situation with citizenship rights in Latvia and the events in the Northern Caucasus.
"Regrettably, Russia still has human rights problems, especially in the Northern Caucasus," Ms. Arbour said.
She expressed hope that Russia would make all possible efforts to ensure the observance of human rights in that region. She said that UN observers were concerned about the situation in Chechnya. In particular, she mentioned abductions, tortures and murders.
At the same time, Ms. Arbour praised Russia's role in the global fight against terrorism.
