U.S. can help Russian children through culture, education, and medical programs – Astakhov

(Interfax – January 9, 2013)

The U.S. can help Russian children through cultural, educational, and medical assistance programs, Russian presidential children’s rights ombudsman Pavel Astakhov said.

“With the termination of the adoptions agreement, we have to expand cooperation in the sphere of education, cultural exchange, education programs, and programs that make it possible to take in children for treatment,” Astakhov told Interfax on Wednesday.

These programs can be carried out by organizations and legal entities, Astakhov said.

“There is no need to place children in families in this case. I think many Americans want to help with charity, they can offer their help,” Astakhov said.

Astakhov said the 52 children who were at the final stage of adoption by U.S. families will stay in Russia.

Astakhov said on Twitter that special programs are being adopted in the Russian regions to fulfill the presidential decree on measures to support orphans in the regions. Such a program will be launched in Kemerovo in mid-January.

U.S. Department of State official Victoria Nuland earlier said the United States intends to continue seeking the adoption of the Russian children by the U.S. facilities that are now going through the adoption process.