MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The IOC ruled on Sunday not to ban the entire Russian Olympic team from the participation in the August 5-21 games in Brazil, helping Russian athletes escape a blanket ban.
"Of course, we welcome the main [IOC] decision that allows so-called clean athletes, at the discretion of the international federations, to take part in the Olympics. We regard this as a positive decision," Peskov told reporters.
"Russia is ready for this cooperation. Again, I emphasize that in this case there is an absolutely independent public body – the Smirnov Commission. We place great hopes on it," Peskov stressed.
The Kremlin regrets the International Olympic Committee’s refusal to accredit Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko and other officials for the Summer Games in Rio next month, Peskov said.
IOC President Thomas Bach, following Sunday’s decision to allow clean Russian athletes compete in the upcoming games, nonetheless said no Russian Sports Ministry officials would be accredited for the August 5-21 competition.
"We certainly regret this decision, and I repeat that such decisions and a number of other decisions underscore the need for closer cooperation with the IOC to clarify our position. The main thing is to overcome suspicions of the concerns the IOC and other sports organizations may have, which Russia intends to do," Peskov told reporters.
