Russian president Vladimir Putin has suggested setting up a Russian-funded institute in Brussels or another European capital to keep an eye on human rights issues in Europe."With the aid of grants, the EU helps develop such institutes in Russia," Mr Putin was cited as saying by Reuters, after an EU-Russia summit on Friday (26 October). "I think the time has come for Russia, given the growth in our financial capabilities, to make its contribution in this sphere as well", he added.
President Putin's personal envoy for relations with the 27-nation EU, Sergei Yastrzhembsky, explained Moscow's intentions further. "This is not going to be a joint venture," Mr Yastrzhembsky said, underlining "the institute will be monitoring the situation in Europe concerning rights of ethnic minorities, immigrants, media and such".
| Should be at least as effective as the UN Commission on Human Rights. Maybe more so, since he pro'ly won't be hammering Israel on a daily basis. |