Russian President Vladimir Putin says he does not believe it would be useful to delay the passage of a controversial bill under which nongovernmental organizations that receive foreign funding would have to register as foreign agents and submit twice-yearly reports to the government.
Putin's comments on July 10 came during a meeting with the presidential human rights council chairman, Mikhail Fedotov.
The Duma passed the bill in its first reading on July 6, but Fedotov argued that it needs to be revised because it could be applied too broadly.
The "Vedomosti" daily reported on July 10that lawmakers from the ruling United Russia party have inserted an amendment in the bill that would exempt the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Duma is expected to consider the bill in its second and third readings on July 13.
Putin's comments on July 10 came during a meeting with the presidential human rights council chairman, Mikhail Fedotov.
The Duma passed the bill in its first reading on July 6, but Fedotov argued that it needs to be revised because it could be applied too broadly.
The "Vedomosti" daily reported on July 10that lawmakers from the ruling United Russia party have inserted an amendment in the bill that would exempt the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Duma is expected to consider the bill in its second and third readings on July 13.
