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Russian sports minister calls for unified anti-doping standards

Russian sports chief invites UNESCO anti-doping officials to Russia
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko EPA/SERGEI KARPUKHIN/POOL
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko
© EPA/SERGEI KARPUKHIN/POOL

PARIS, August 1. /TASS/. Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Monday he informed UNESCO that there was no system in Russia of the alleged state support for doping abuse in sports.

"We have informed UNESCO that Russia does not have a state system of doping support and that the government implies enormous efforts in the fight against doping," Mutko told journalists. "This problem [of doping] does exist in Russia, but it also exists in the rest of the world."

"This is why we need to join our efforts in the fight against doping," he said. "The system of the fight against doping must be globally unified."

UNESCO is managing the program called "The Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport." The fund was established in 2008 to assist States Parties to the International Convention against Doping in Sport develop and implement anti-doping projects.

Mutko said he extended an invitation to anti-doping officers from UNESCO to visit Russia.

"I have invited the UNESCO Anti-Doping Committee to Russia," Mutko told journalists. "This visit will be discussed."