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Putin: Dialogue required between G8 leaders and NGOs


MOSCOW, 4 July – On Tuesday President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting with the leaders of international non-governmental organisations, which will take place at his residence at Novo-Ogarev. Over ten leaders of such well-known NGOs as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Transparency International, Greenpeace International, the World Wildlife Fund, the International Council of Women and more will participate in the meeting.

In advance of the meeting, its participants were standing on the steps leading to the residence’s entrance. The president came out of his private office, greeted each attendee with a handshake, and proposed that they move into the hall to continue the discussion. The guests were presented to the president by Ella Pamfilova, chair of the Presidential Council for Development of Civil Society Institutions.

In opening the meeting, Putin proposed thinking about creation of a mechanism for dialogue between the G8 leaders and international NGOs. “Perhaps we will be able to think of some format for more regular cooperation and attraction of attention to the problems you are working on and which you would like to bring to the attention of the G8”, stated the president.

Mr. Putin remarked that he is aware of NGO representatives’ desire to meet with the G8 leaders. “But it is a rather bureaucratic structure, and in order to arrange a meeting you have to hold consultations with protocol services and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”, he mourned. “Nevertheless, we will be ready to discuss this issue too through the Sherpas”. Mr. Putin added: “In any case, I will pass on the main ideas to my colleagues”, and “I have studied the documents you have prepared, and I know of your desire to get your opinions on certain problems across to the G8 leaders”. Mr. Putin also expressed hope that the participants would be able to discuss all issues of interest to them in the informal setting of Novo-Ogarev. “I hope that we be able to speak in detail and openly, particularly since, as far as I am aware, the members of the press will grant me that opportunity after my speech”, said the president. After Mr. Putin’s brief welcoming speech the meeting continued behind closed doors.

Expert opinion

Halter Marek

02.12.06

Halter Marek
Le College de France
Olivier Giscard d’Estaing

02.12.06

Olivier Giscard d’Estaing
COPAM, France
Mika Ohbayashi

02.12.06

Mika Ohbayashi
Institute for Sustainable Energy Poliñy
Bill Pace

02.12.06

Bill Pace
World Federalist Movement - Institute for Global Policy
Peter I. Hajnal

01.12.06

Peter I. Hajnal
Toronto University, G8 Research Group


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