Russian Language to Become Official in CIS

Foreign Ministry focuses on cultural work with Russians living in CIS
The Russian Federation Foreign Ministry is considering the issue of recognizing the Russian language an official language of all CIS countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Eleonora Mitrofanova told journalists on Wednesday. She said that negotiations were held with all countries of the CIS but considerable progress has been achieved only with Moldova and Uzbekistan. Russian has been declared an official language only on Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. 
 
Eleonora Mitrofanova says that the Foreign Ministry, the Committee for Affairs of Nationals in particular, is actively working with Russians living in the CIS and Baltic countries.

Together with several CIS countries the ministry creates joint Slavic universities and train Russian language teachers. About 1,500 teachers complete annual extension courses. The Ministry also helps supply textbooks, books and reference books to Russian-language schools; the Committee appropriates financial aid to indigent people and helps Russians in juridical aspects when they appeal to the international court. 
 
The Deputy Foreign Minister says it is actually very important to do substantial information work at the Russian Consulates in the CIS and Baltic countries. It is expected that news and information about employment on the territory of Russia will be published on a special page of the Foreign Ministry's website. The measure is hoped to reduce illegal migration.

The Deputy Foreign Minister says that financing for work with Russians living in the CIS country will be appropriated next year; already now the Ministry and the Committee are considering plans of this activity. The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasizes: "This is important for us these people should love and respect the Russian culture."