WADA clears Russia to conduct drug testing
WADA allows RUSADA to conduct drug testing and Craig Reedie said the announcement is a "key component of the Roadmap towards compliance".
Russia have taken a step towards being deemed compliant after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) gave the green light for supervised drug testing to be carried out in the country.
The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was declared non-compliant by WADA in November 2015 in the wake of accusations of state-sponsored doping.
WADA outlined a 'Roadmap' that RUSADA must follow in order to be deemed compliant with its code and vowed to support their efforts to reform to regain public faith in Russian sport.
It was announced by WADA on Tuesday that RUSADA will be allowed to plan and coordinate testing under the supervision of international experts and the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD).
WADA's Foundation Board and the organisation's Independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) last month accepted that RUSADA had met key requirements that were set out to them.
"While there is still more to be done, WADA recognises this milestone as a key component of the Roadmap towards compliance,” said WADA president Craig Reedie.
"After much work by the Agency and its partners, resumption of testing represents an important step forward in rebuilding anti-doping in Russia. We strongly encourage Russia to continue their efforts in the interest of clean athletes worldwide."
WADA director general Olivier Niggli said: "At this juncture, WADA would also like to acknowledge the efforts of all involved in working alongside the Agency to rebuild a credible anti-doping system in Russia.
"We would particularly like to recognise UKAD, which has ensured that targeted and intelligence-led testing be carried out on athletes inside and outside of the country during RUSADA's period of non-compliance.
"UKAD's work in Russia is an excellent example of how an established and world-renowned National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) can help mentor another NADO in need of support."