An author of the draft law on stopping the spread of AIDS in Russia said Thursday that he would propose the removal of a requirement that all foreign residents be tested for HIV infection. The draft approved last month by the State Duma's health care committee and due to be heard by the Duma on June 22 would allow the deportation of foreigners found to be carrying the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is widely believed to cause AIDS. Dr. Leonid Kogan, a member of the committee, said that Russian visa regulations should instead be changed to require foreigners intending to stay in the country for more than a month to present a medical certificate on entry showing them to be HIV negative. Foreigners who are already in Russia should be allowed to stay here until their visas expire, Kogan told a group of doctors and educators representing non-government organizations fighting AIDS.
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