Russia's NGO law worries EU and human rights groups.

Human Rights Watch and human rights in Europe and America have condemned Russia's new law governing non-governmental organizations, and criticism has come from European Union and American Political leaders. However, one NGO group, managed by an American living in Moscow, disagrees with the negative comment.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis indicated that the European Union has been concerned about the law. EU members are wary of the crucial recommendation that gives the state control over NGOs. "We cannot say now whether the control is going to be reasonable or not, since much depends on the enforcement of the law."

The new law requires:

* Russia's 450,000 civic clubs and societies to re-register with a state authority in order to remain active.

* foreign NGOs to notify the Justice Ministry of the location of any offices.

* all NGOs to provide detailed reports of any foreign funding and how such funds are spent.

* foreign NGOs to inform the government registration office about their projects for the next year, and about the money allotted for specific projects.

The legislation will give officials the power to close any non-profit organization involved in 'political activity', a concept that is not defined in the law.

Russian government officials would have the power:

* to decide which NGO project, or parts of projects, comply with Russia's national interests;

* to prohibit foreign NGOs from implementing projects without the aim of defending the constitutional system, morals, public health, rights and lawful interest of other people, guaranteeing defense capacity and security of the state.

Sharon Tennison, the American head of a Moscow-based NGO, the Center for Citizen Initiatives labels criticism as "alarmist", and adds that the new legislation "could cut either way, and it won't become obvious until implementation begins."

Tennison told IPS news services, "There are good and bad NGOs in Russia--both domestic and foreign. Regrettably, some have supported activities that would be illegal in America today."

She contends that "Russia's not-for-profit sector is in serious need of regulation. It still hasn't developed legal underpinnings to assure transparency of expenditures, operations or funder information--all of which are crucial for societal trust and civil society development."

Independent journalist Nabi Abdullaev, based in Moscow states that: "The new law on non-governmental organizations is not as restrictive as similar legislation adopted by France, Finland and other developed democracies. What makes it potentially dangerous, however, is a lack of clarity over how it will be enforced at a time when the Kremlin is methodically tightening its grip on every area of public life, and courts are not generally viewed as independent."