MOSCOW, October 31. /TASS/. Russia will strongly protect the rights and interests of compatriots living abroad amid growing global tensions, President Vladimir said, addressing the Sixth World Congress of Compatriots on Wednesday.
"The global situation is difficult, tensions are rising, unpredictability is growing, the foundations of international law are being undermined, years-long agreements between countries are collapsing - and unfortunately, hatred against Russia and other forms of radical nationalism are being used," Putin said. "We will strongly protect your rights and interests, taking advantage of all existing bilateral and international mechanisms, we will also continue to provide support to the Fund for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad," the Russian leader added.
Putin particularly mentioned countries where the rights of Russian compatriots were violated. "Let’s be honest, we know that in Ukraine, the Baltic states and some other countries, history is being re-written, the fight against monuments and the Russian language is on," he said. "People are being intimidated and terrorized, their natural desire to preserve their ethnic roots is labeled as crime and separatism, while the right to freedom of expression and the right to preserve traditions are blatantly violated," Putin added. "Some of our compatriots are prevented from acquiring certain professions for political reasons. Many feel the consequences of this severe pressure," the Russian president noted.
Putin commended the activities of the Fund for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots. According to him, the organization has participated in the establishment of 26 legal assistance centers in 20 countries, provided grant support to 200 projects and carried out more than 50 activities, particularly arranging trainings for human rights activists. Over 70,000 people, including those living in countries such as Syria, Yemen and Libya, have received legal assistance. Putin added that preserving and promoting the Russian language and providing support to Russian language teachers remained among the country’s priorities. According to him, educational literature and fiction books are supplied to educational facilities in other countries, and support is provided to winners of Russian language competitions.
Putin also hailed the Russkiy Mir (or Russian World) Foundation, which plans to hold an assembly meeting in the city of Tver on November 2-3.