MOSCOW, March 10, 2004. (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he respects his rivals in the presidential race.
During the president's meeting with captains of the national Olympic teams to participate in the summer Olympics due in Athens, Vyacheslav Fetisov asked the president how he felt about the upcoming presidential vote.
"Both we and you have reached the final straight and would like to know how you feel about the results (of the elections)," said Mr. Fetisov.
Vladimir Putin answered that his sports teachers had taught him to always "respect any rivals."
