MOSCOW, July 9 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is ready to act as guarantor of business contacts with the CIS countries within the framework of the World Tourist Organization, head of the Russian federal agency for physical culture, sports and tourism Vyacheslav Fetisov said at the 73th session of the organization's executive council.
The Russian delegation offered to promote cooperation between the Commonwealth of Independent States and the World Tourist Organization, Vyacheslav Fetisov's aide Dmitry Tugarin said by phone.
Russian will preside over this organization until 2005.
According to Mr. Fetisov, Russia managed to consolidate its authority in the World Tourist Organization and boasts good prospects of cooperation with its members.
In fall 2003 the World Tourist Organization became a specialized institution of the United Nations, he added.
The session of the organization's executive council focused on the development of tourism, in particular, assistance to developing countries, and the change of the organization's title.
