Moscow Mayor signs master plan of support for compatriots living abroad

Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has signed a master plan of measures in support of compatriots living abroad for the year 2002, reported the press centre of the City Hall and Moscow government.

The plan provides for assistance to compatriots in many respects. For instance, it refers to the treatment of war and labour veterans and compatriots' children on the basis of Moscow medical institutions, free financial assistance to those in need and legal aid, including lawyer consultations.

Programs envisaging support and preservation of the Russian language, and education for compatriots, including tuition for studies at the universities and colleges of Moscow. Other areas of work embrace organisation of artistic troupes' concert tours and assistance to Russia's cultural centres in organising celebration of national holidays. Besides, plans call for support for Russian Orthodox parishes in Ukraine and the Baltic states.