new russian bill on dual citizenship for govt ministers

Federation Council approves ban on dual citizenship for govt ministers

MOSCOW. Jan 24 (Interfax) - The Federation Council has passed a bill prohibiting persons that hold dual citizenship from serving as Russian government ministers, which were earlier passed in the State Duma, at a meeting on Wednesday.

Under the bill, which amends the law on the Russian government, deputy prime ministers and ministers must not possess dual citizenship. Only a Russian citizen, who "does not have the citizenship of another state, as well as a residence permit or any other document proving the right of a Russian citizen to permanently live on the territory of a foreign country," can be appointed deputy prime minister or federal minister.

Under current legislation, only the Russian prime minister is prohibited from holding citizenship of another state. The bill will come into force after the president signs it.