South Ossetian NGOs speak out against term of "foreign agent" in Law on NGOs

In South Ossetia, members of NGOs speak out against the use of the term "foreign agent" in the laws. People will find it difficult to understand the difference between an "agent" and a "spy". This opinion was expressed by Dina Alborova, the leader of the Agency for Socio-Economic and Cultural Development. Irina Gagloeva, President of the Media Centre "Ir", believes that the draft law is to be discussed with representatives of the "third sector".

Dina Alborova has noted that no one consulted the representatives of the "third sector" of South Ossetia on amendments to the law.

According to Dina Alborova, due to the NGOs' activities, the attitude towards South Ossetia in the world is changing in a positive way. Furthermore, the activist has added that in South Ossetia, there are only three or four organizations that receive foreign grants from time to time, including the "Committee for Missing Persons" actively assisted by the Red Cross.

According to political analyst Alan Parastaev, South Ossetia can contact with the outside world largely through NGOs, which may contribute to the international recognition of the republic.

The Law has not been passed by the Parliament yet, and members of NGOs hope that the legislative authority will not adopt it in the form proposed by the Ministry of Justice or will soften the statements.