Russian minister wants talks without 'insults'

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev, tipped to fill the vacant position of the country's Olympic chief, called for improved ties and an end to polemics with the International Olympic Committee on Oct 17.

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Degtyarev spoke at a top-level sport meeting, attended by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, days after the surprise resignation of the head of the national Olympic committee, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, who cited the need for change in view of the "geopolitical challenges" facing Russian sport.

"Returning to the Olympic movement in accordance with the contributions of Russian and Soviet sport.

"And restoring the rights of our athletes - this is the policy we will stick to," Russian news agencies quoted Degtyarev as telling reporters.

"There is every reason to say there is readiness for dialogue, including, unofficially, with IOC members.

"We need to maintain dialogue without insulting each other or shaking our fists."