This unprecedented assault on the work of human rights groups will invariably undermine the rights of all Russians.

Morocco must do far more to respect the basic human rights of migrants before it can be considered a safe country for returns. This is hardly the time to be discussing an EU returns agreement with Morocco.

Russia has joined forces with other states that have poor human rights records in opposing efforts to create a more effective U.N. human rights machinery. Many of these countries clearly prefer today's dysfunctional system that allows them to shield one another from criticism.

I will not tolerate any human rights abuses by any member of the Ministry of Interior forces. Any person or persons who are found to be guilty of such behavior will be fired and punished to the fullest extent allowed by law.

The new Human Rights Council will have 47 member countries, not individuals, and the election will be held in May 9, 2006.

I think issues of human rights have to be taken seriously and I think they will be addressed seriously in the discussions we will be having, not in a token way,