MOSCOW, September 9 (RIA Novosti) - The government must take measures to protect Russian children adopted by foreigners, Russia's lower chamber of parliament said in a statement Friday.

"Parental violence against adopted children has become more frequent," the State Dua's statement said.

In the United States, 13 adopted Russian children have died from parental violence, including an 8-year-old boy who died of starvation in August.

The deputies expressed their concern that they learn about these facts only from press reports.

"Other instances of physical or psychological violence against Russian children, citizens of Russia, could be unknown," the deputies said.

The State Duma is also concerned over the fate of about 64,000 Russian children adopted by foreigners and living outside Russia. The deputies say the adoption process is becoming increasingly commercial and criminal.

They are asking the government to ensure that orphaned children be placed in Russian families as a priority.

The State Duma turned down an amendment by Deputy Nina Ostanina from the KPRF faction to impose a temporary moratorium on the adoption of Russian children by the citizens of those countries where Russian children died at the hands of their adoptive parents.