According to Russian Press Digest, the Union of Soviet Friendship Societies as well as the State Committee for Foreign Investments were replaced by the Russian Association for International Cooperation (RAIC) in April 1992 following a presidential decree (25 Sept. 1992). The goals of the new association are to "maintain broad dialogue with the foreign public, "seek new ways of establishing international ties," and "promote public and individual contacts in various spheres" (ibid.).

For further information on the Friendship Societies, please consult the attached documents.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Russian Press Digest [Moscow]. 7 April 1992. "Russian Association for International Cooperation has been set up in Moscow." (NEXIS)

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 25 September 1992. "Russian International Links; Russian Cooperation and Development Agency Set Up." (NEXIS)

Russian Press Digest [Moscow]. 7 April 1992. "Russian Associaltion for International Cooperation has been set up in Moscow." (NEXIS)

Orlando Sentinel Tribune. 31 December 1991. Mark Vosburgh. "Russian Orphans Receive Gift of Travel." (NEXIS)

The Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union (TASS). 23 September 1991. "Round-Table Conference in Moscow." (NEXIS)