US-Russia civil society group reveals more accord than discord

WASHINGTON, January 29 (Itar-Tass) -- U.S. co-chair of the bilateral
Civil Society Working Group with Russia Michael McFaul said on Thursday
the first meeting revealed more accord than disagreements and said he was
satisfied with the results.
McFaul told RS/RSE radio stations the first session of the group
co-chaired by Kremlin First Deputy Chief-of-Staff Vladislav Surkov exposed
certain contradictions, but he remained optimistic about anticipated
results.
The top White House adviser on Russia said revealing contradictions
was better than holding no contacts and maintaining no ties with the other
party.
Before the meeting Surkov said the parties did not plan to lecture
each other on civil society, and McFaul agreed saying there are other
channels for the Obama administration to express its concerns to Moscow.
The first meeting of the group created in July 2009 focused on
preventing crimes against children, the fight against corruption, and
myths and stereotypes existing in relations between the two countries.
McFaul said the next meeting to be held in Russia in spring will
discuss penitentiary reform and migration.
-0-nec