Astakhov supports idea of NGO to monitor life of adopted Russian children in U.S.
MOSCOW. Jan 31 (Interfax) - Russian children's rights commissioner Pavel Astakhov has confirmed that Moscow is considering the possibility of establishing a non-governmental organization (NGO) that would monitor the conditions in which Russian orphans adopted by U.S. citizens live.
"Indeed, such an idea was discussed with representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry even before Russia pulled out of its adoption agreement with the U.S.," Astakhov told Interfax on Thursday.
"Obviously, this suggestion has been given a follow-up," he said, describing this initiative as quite useful.
"The more councils, organizations, committees and other structures controlling the observance of children's rights in the U.S. we have, the better," Astakhov said.
Russia's decision to quit the bilateral adoption agreement was "legitimate", he said.
"But, at the same time, I do not favor any isolationist policy. I want cooperation with the U.S. in protecting children's rights to broaden both at the governmental and non-governmental levels," he said.
The Kommersant newspaper earlier announced Russia's possible plans to establish a U.S.-based NGO that would be able to collect information about the life of Russian children adopted by American families.
