Rio 2016 Olympics - The Opening Ceremony: Putin To Not Attend Amid Russia Doping Scandal, List of World Leaders Who Will Attend; Obama Yet to Confirm
Other world leaders still undecided while some has already confirmed their attendance. Organizers have confirmed around 100 leaders to attend.
Its official: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Rio 2016 Olympics opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on August 5. This plan was made known by the Kremlin Monday although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not veto the participation of the Russian delegation to the games. The Russian contingent has one of the largest numbers of participants.
No plans for the Olympics
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman revealed to Russian media that there were really no such plans to begin with. "As I understand it, there are no plans for such trip," he added that Putin "has another working schedule."
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The spokesman however did not rule out the possibility that the Soviet leader may also travel to Brazil to boost the morale of other Russian athletes that were not excluded from the games. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has decided to disallow some Russian athletes from the games.
Putin orders independent committee to combat doping
Putin ordered the formation of an independent committee that will stop doping in the country. His decision came before the IOC Sunday. The committee will be led by Vitali Smirnov who is also the oldest member of the Olympic committee.
Other world leaders pass Rio 2016
It is still yet unknown if other world leaders will attend the Opening Ceremony. The United States embassy did not state if President Barack Obama would attend the event. However, Secretary of State John Kerry may attend the Opening at the Maracana Stadium according to Brazilian media.
It is still unclear if China's Vice Premier Liu Yandong who is also the secretary for education and sports will attend the ceremony. China is one of Brazil's top trade partners but still there is no news if the leader will attend Rio 2016.
Leaders that won't miss the Rio 2016 opening
The Brazilian news website UOL said that the United Nations Secretary-General Ban-ki Moon has confirmed that he will attend. France's embassy in Brasilia also confirmed that President François Hollande will attend the opening ceremony this is not just because Paris is a candidate to host the 2024 games. Italy's embassy has also confirmed that Prime Minister Matteo Renzi would attend. The beautiful city of Rome is another 2024 candidate.
Argentinian president Mauricio Macri has yet to confirm attendance. His embassy in Brasilia however, has confirmed that he won't miss the opening ceremonies.
Britain hosted the last Summer Olympics and may send a representative although the country has just changed its prime minister. Japan has yet to confirm. Reports say that it will likely send a representative considering that it will host the next Summer Olympics.
More than 100 world leaders to attend
Organizers of the Opening Ceremony have predicted that around 100 heads of state will attend the ceremony. The Brazilian foreign ministry said that it will publish a list just before the event starts. Mario Andrada, committee spokesman said that they are not sure how many would attend.
