Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis made this statement in response to Russia's official request to file a conclusion on the NGO bill.
In November, the Russian parliament called for closer monitoring of more than half a million public, non-governmental and human rights organizations operating in Russia. President Vladimir Putin said that foreign funding of any political activity in the country should be placed under state control.
Davis welcomed Russia's initiative but said that any restrictions on NGOs should be substantiated and should remain in line with the European Human Rights Convention.
Davis also said some aspects of the bill, including administrative and financial requirements regarding the registration of NGOs and non-profit organizations, were too restrictive.
The European official welcomed Russia's request and said the Council of Europe was ready for further consultations with Russian authorities, which, he said, were essential in the context of anti-terrorism efforts.
Late last month, the State Duma approved the first reading of the bill on NGOs. On Tuesday, parliamentary speaker Boris Gryzlov said the second reading would take place December 16.
