Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko denies any state involvement in the doping scandal surrounding Russian athletics following a damning WADA report saying that there is "no serious objective evidence

SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Sports Minister:

"I'm okay with it, it's not the first accusation against Russia and Russian sport. On the whole, I wouldn't say that the ministry and me personally are accused. The report of the commission (Independent Commission of the World Anti-Dopng Agency) and the conclusions of the commission don't state that, that's rather an emotional statement of the commission chairman as he understands the situation, not more. And the conclusions of the commission didn't present anything unexpected for Russia."

SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Sports Minister:

"As to the conclusions concerning our (anti-doping) laboratory, we will examine everything. Although there is a question. Six months ago our laboratory has organised the work during the World Aquatics Championship on the highest level, there were no questions to this laboratory. Before that there were the Olympic Games, there were also nothing (no questions to the laboratory). If there are any questions to our laboratory, if WADA confirms them, we will examine everything thoroughly."

SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Sports Minister:

"Doping is not the problem of Russia. Russia shouldn't be singled out. It's a world problem, and we know that all countries are fighting against this evil, and we also do that and will continue doing that. We created a serious system to fight against doping. We disqualify about two percent of athletes every year like other countries do."

SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Sports Minister:

"No, there is no serious objective evidence. You mentioned the state - and it looks like this. According to information from certain sources the state has influence on this (anti-doping) work but there is no direct evidence. However, we believe that it does have influence. You understand? The thing is that there is no evidence but you are still guilty."