Russia’s parliament initially approved a bill banning Americans from adopting Russian orphans on Wednesday in reprisal for a U.S. law punishing alleged Russian human rights violators in a row that has strained bilateral relations.
Despite criticism of the measure by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, pro-Kremlin lawmakers overwhelmingly voted for the proposal and for another that would bar Russian non-profit groups which receive funds from the United States.
Only 15 of 450 deputies in the lower house, the State Duma, opposed the proposals.
The bills, expected to pass its final reading on Friday, still needs President Vladimir Putin’s signature to become law.
I read that Putin understands why they (Duma) want to do these bills and it will be an interesting time to see what he does about the Duma and these bills. I will tell you that this has caused a stir in American politics and it looks to be just the beginning of Russian backlash for American attempts at games… (Update: Putin backs the Duma…)
Looks like the day of ignoring the insults and slaps in the face are over. Bullies only can get away with it so long and people fight back. I just think that using children as a tool is a little bit out of line, but what can I say? I came from a society that uses children politically all the time, so no one in America should be offended by Russia’s actions…
Interesting…
Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia…
PS: The day of American NGO’s running a-muck in Russia looks to be over…
Update: The Western press has been trying to tell the world that Putin valued relations with the US too much to jeopardize those relations. 🙂