Russia to host G8 presidency in 2006

After a decade of standing by as little more than an observer, Russia is to assume a place of privilege in the G8 – hosting the presidency in 2006.

It is a tribute to president Vladimir Putin that Russia is to be accepted as a full member of the G8, the group of the world’s most industrialised nations (The USA, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, the UK, Canada and Russia). The decision to admit Russia as a full member of the G8 was taken yesterday at the summit in Kananaskis, Canada and was announced by British prime Minister, Tony Blair and his Italian counterpart, Silvio Berlusconi.

Timofei BYELO PRAVDA.Ru