Al Jazeera.
Russia has ordered USAID to cease operations in the country, accusing
the aid mission of being a front of the American government's effort to
influence its local politics and the outcome of elections.
Moscow's move on Wednesday is seen as a slap in the face on the
administration of President Barack Obama, who has been seeking to
"reset" bilateral ties with its former rival.
Obama, who is facing re-election in November, is being accused by his Republican rival Mitt Romney of being soft on Russia.
Analysts said they believed the Russian decision partly reflected Moscow's hostility toward US-funded groups that seek to promote democracy and the rule of law in Russia.
"It's about attempts to influence political processes, including
elections of various types, and institutions of civil society through
the distribution of grants," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a
statement.
It added Moscow had serious questions over the operations of the US
Agency for International Development (USAID) in Russia's regions,
especially in the North Caucasus where Russia is fighting an armed
Islamist rebelion.
Victoria Nuland, the US state department spokeswoman, said Russia's decision will not affect American policy towards Russia.
"The American government remains committed to supporting democracy,
human rights, and the development of a more robust civil society in
Russia, and look forward to continuing our co-operation with
Russian non-governmental organizations," Nuland said.
