As you may be aware, 2010 has been declared the Year of Russia in France and the Year of France in Russia, aimed at deepening bilateral relations through “150 cultural and communications events, 38 economic projects and over 70 events in science, education, sports and youth exchanges.”  But apart from sending some wonderful museum exhibits back and forth between Moscow and Paris, what will the role be for the alleged participation of French and Russian civil society?  Feeling that they have been left out of the festivities, today in the leading French daily Le Monde, leaders of various human rights NGOs (including Amnesty, Reporters without Borders, and Memorial) authored an opinion article calling for an “Alternative” series of exchanges between real advocacy groups in both countries.  Below is an English translation of the editorial.

Le Monde, January 27, 2010

• The civil society is not invited to the celebrations of the Year of France and Russia”

• An ‘alternative’ program to shed light on a people whose freedoms are not respected

The historical ties between France and Russia are part of a long tradition of exchanges and mutual fascination. Our two countries have maintained cultural but also intense economic and strategic relations, which have seen moments of decline but, more recently, renewed strength.