Oct. 24, 2006, 7:15AM

Russia ends suspension of some foreign groups

Government rushes to review their applications after law criticized as politically based

New York Times

MOSCOW - The Russian government said Monday that it had begun registering private foreign organizations whose operations in Russia were suspended last week, and that it was rushing to review the amended applications of at least 65 other organizations, which remained idled.

Among the groups granted permission to resume work were some that Russian officials had sharply criticized, saying they were encouraging revolutions or meddling in Russia's domestic affairs. They included the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and the International Republican Institute.

Both groups, whose work includes offering training for domestic political parties and movements, had been suspended last week under a new Russian law that limits the work of foreign groups. Both confirmed that they had been notified in writing that they could resume work.

"We're functioning as we normally would as of today," Lisa Gates, a spokeswoman for the International Republican Institute, said by telephone from the group's office in Washington.

The new law has drawn international criticism as a veiled effort to muzzle critics of the Kremlin and groups that promote social activism, political parties, rule of law, news media freedom and anti-corruption awareness.

The law sets stringent reporting requirements, including the deadline last week for each group to submit details about its origins, history, goals and organization.

The deadline was seen as the first test of whether Russia would use the law to restrict a group's activities. And when it passed, many groups found they had been temporarily suspended, including dozens of American organizations, prompting Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to inquire about the law when she visited Moscow over the weekend.