Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-12-15-Speech-4-211"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2005-12-15"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Human rights in Russia2
dcterms:Language	"pl"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20051215.37.4-211"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2005-12-15-Speech-4-2122
lpv:speaker	lp:Bogusław Sonik2
lpv:spokenAs	substitute; Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries (2005-03-02--2007-03-13)3 member; Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (2005-04-28--2007-03-13)3 member; ENVI (2004-07-21--2007-01-14)3 substitute; LIBE (2004-07-22--2007-01-14)3 member; Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (2005-10-12--2008-01-15)3 unknown; Platforma Obywatelska (2004-07-20--2009-07-13)3 substitute; DROI (2005-12-01--2007-01-14)3 substitute; Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (2005-03-09--2009-07-13)3 member; EPP-ED (2004-07-20--2009-07-13)3 member; Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries and the Arab Maghreb Union (including Libya) (2004-09-15--2007-03-13)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, it is a shame that we are discussing human rights violations in Russia on a Thursday afternoon. This is particularly regrettable as we spent a great deal of time debating Tunisia on Wednesday, when all the Members of the House and the media were present. Freedom of speech and thought is one of the European Union’s fundamental values, and it is the cornerstone of democracy. This is reflected in the activities of the hundreds of thousands of NGOs that constitute the third most powerful and influential force in Europe. Yet it is an unfortunate fact that laws are being adopted in Russia which are alien and incomprehensible to us in Europe. Russia is moving ever further away from democratic standards, and we cannot stand idly by and watch fundamental rights being denied in a country that has a privileged relationship with the EU. We cannot remain indifferent in the face of changes that are so blatantly undemocratic. Russian NGOs will find it more difficult or even impossible to obtain foreign funding. The new restrictions will apply to as many as 450 000 organisations in Russia, including foreign and international organisations operating in the Russian Federation. The new law prohibits the activities carried out in line with the rules previously in force by Russian branches and representations of foreign and international organisations. What this means is that they will have to shut down their current branches, and submit applications to set up new organisations that will be independent of the parent NGOs. Foreigners who do not have permanent residency in Russia will lose the right to form civil organisations, as well as the right to sit on the boards or be members of such organisations. Certain Russian politicians have claimed that NGOs are a tool used by third countries to conduct foreign policy in Russia, but these arguments are absurd and make a mockery of the concept of democracy. The European Union should make known its strong opposition to such a reprehensible attitude, which is symptomatic of the increase in xenophobia among Russia’s political elite. The existence of 450 000 NGOs in Russia, and the fact that they are so active, testify to the popularity of this aspect of public and social life in Russia. The European Union should support this manifestation of civil society."@en1

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