From Reuters:

The Kremlin eased some restrictions on Russian NGOs on Friday ahead of a visit by U.S. President Barack Obama, in the first major move to strengthen civil society since President Dmitry Medvedev took office. The move was applauded by human rights activists, who said that the reforms cover only a third of NGOs and a lot more remains to be done to improve Russia’s human rights record.

Medvedev, who was elected just over a year ago, proposed in May relaxing restrictions on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) imposed during the presidency of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, whom rights groups had accused of hindering their work.