Mutko considers doping scandal resulted from political instability in world
MOSCOW. Nov 11 (Interfax) - The situation over the use of doping by Russian athletes could have been different in the case of a stable global political background, Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko said.
"This is a general political background. We should take this calmly because this is happening on all fronts, now it is the turn of sport. There is no accord in the political aspect in the world, if this had taken place, politicians would have sorted things out in the sport long ago," Mutko said in an interview with Interfax on Wednesday.
He said he was bewildered with the dual character of the situation, when Russia is regularly entrusted to host major international competitions and the state spends large sums for this and at the same time Moscow is accused of abetting the use of doping by athletes.
"Now they are coming around us and are suggesting that we host the European Games. I cannot understand why this does not capitalize? Let the sport world determine [its stance] and give an assessment. We are communicating with all, cooperating with all, suddenly some group of people is gathering and starts saying something to us," Mutko said.
He again noted that Russia would cope itself with the doping problems in sport. "We are able to establish order in our country, one should not hint to us how to further behave. We are ready to cooperate, but if they do not want to we are able not to cooperate," the minister said.
