21:53, 19 August 2003

4-th congress of International Circassian Association in Nalchik

On August 17 the 4-th congress of the International Circassian Association started its work in Nalchik. More than 80 delegates from Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Israel, the US, the Netherlands, France, Great Britain - countries where Adyg diasporas live compactly, as well as delegations from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Krasnodar Territory and republics of the Northern Caucasus arrived.

A program of organization's activities for the nearest 10 years was approved during the first day of the congress. It includes, first of all, the preservation of the language, culture and traditions of Adygs living in different countries without an infringement on the establishment of the united Circassian state.

The appeal to the President of Russia on the alteration of the Federal Law "About Citizenship of the Russian Federation" was accepted at the congress, as it, in opinion of the delegates, prohibits from Adygs' repatriation demanding an obligatory knowledge of Russian.

On August 18 the work of the congress was continued.

Author: Irina Antonova

Source: REGIONS.RU Regional News Agency