4 Mar 2014 15:22

Putin says Russia ready to hold G8 summit, cannot force its partners do so

NOVO-OGARYOVO. March 4 (Interfax) - Russia is ready to hold a G8 summit in Sochi but it cannot force its partners to do so against their will, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters on Tuesday.

"Concerning the G8, I do not know. We are preparing for the G8 [summit] and will be ready to welcome our colleagues, but if they do not want to come, they do not have to," he said.