Russian NOC to co-operate on doping

Moscow - Russia's Olympic Committee (NOC) says it will cooperate in the fight against doping and supports harsh sanctions against offenders but does not want the nation's athletics federation banned from international events as it would hurt clean athletes.

The NOC said in a statement it "fully supports the efforts of the IOC, WADA, the international sporting community and public authorities of the Russian Federation to combat doping" and will cooperate with the relevant authorities.

"Our position is clear. Anyone caught using prohibited substances as well as anyone directly or indirectly assisting in their use are subject to disqualification. If guilt is proven the penalties should be harsh."

An independent committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Monday that Russia's athletics federation should be banned from competition including the 2016 Olympics in connection with widespread doping in the country and the covering up of positive or suspicious tests.

The NOC said it opposes such a sanction because "the right of honest (clean) athletes in international sports competition" must be protected.