BRUSSELS, January 19 (RIA Novosti, Alexander Shishlo) - The European Union hailed amendments introduced to the Russian law on non-governmental organizations and said it would closely monitor the implementation of the law after it comes into effect, a statement from the organization said Thursday.
"The EU will closely monitor the implementation of the law after it comes into effect and expects it this to happen in accordance with the standards and obligations laid out in the framework of the Council of Europe and OSCE," the statement said.
The amendments to the law set out registration requirements for NGOs and non-profit organizations. The final version of the law does not allow the registration body to exercise financial control over non-profit organizations. The bill also allows NGOs to appeal against decisions to shut them down to a court of law, as well to the Justice Ministry, the government and other agencies.
The bill had stirred up harsh criticism from the West, which said the bill would hamper the activities of foreign NGOs, including humanitarian and rights groups, in Russia. Russian officials argued control over foreign NGOs in western countries was much more stringent.
