SYKTYVKAR, April 1, Sergey Fuchs. Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said, that the remarks by his British colleague Nigel Huddleston about Russia as a pariah on the world sports arena are unacceptable. Earlier, Huddleston told the Independent that «Russia is considered a pariah on the world sports arena, and that is how it should be treated.» «I categorically do not accept such a position «Sport should be the most important part of the life of society, and the principles of sport — unity, respect for each other, for history, traditions — should be the main ones for politicians. Sport can and should teach politicians to take correct, principled positions, and not be guided by opportunistic interests. Especially when it is contrary to the Olympic Charter and the unity of sport. With such statements they destroy the world through sport. For a politician, a minister who is responsible for this industry, this is absolutely unacceptable,» Matytsin said.
