Russian Rights Activists Supported By Rice

Oct 13, 02:46 PM

Current Headlines: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice voiced her support to Russian human rights activists during a visit to Moscow this week, a report said.

However, the BBC reported Saturday that while Rice offered support to the human rights advocates, the U.S. secretary of state also warned them the United State likely would not become involved in any domestic affairs in Russia.

In the past, U.S. government officials have been critical of their Russian counterparts regarding their approach to human rights and democracy efforts in Russia.

One of the activists reportedly was set to tell Rice Russia was quickly becoming an authoritarian regime under President Vladimir Putin.

Putin will be forced to end his two-term presidency in March due to constitutional mandates, but the BBC said the Russian leader is considering becoming the country's prime minister. If Putin does indeed become prime minister, he would be eligible under the constitution to become president again in 2012.