Russian authorities want to involve gypsies into economic reforms

To involve Gypsies into economic reforms is one of the goals of Russia's national policy, said Russian Minister for National Policy Vladimir Zorin.

"Russian Gypsies should take a merited place in the country's multi-ethnic family. It is necessary not only to change the social image of Gypsies and develop culture of inter-ethnic communication but also to involve Gypsies into economic reforms and organise their life in new public relations," the minister said at the first meeting of the expert group for Russian Gypsies in the Government House on Friday.

Politicians, scientists and representatives of creative intelligentsia well known in the Gypsy world and experts from different ministries and departments took part in the meeting.

According to the minister, all people should take an active part in the country's life and Gypsies who live in Russia for 500 years already "are not an exception".

The minister called on Gypsies to change their attitude to education. According to him, it is the necessary condition of Gypsies' successful integration into modern society.

According to the data of the 1989 census, about 150,000 Gypsies lived in Russia are that time. However, experts believe that actually there are much more Gypsies. During the last year's census respondents did not have to name their nationality.