The Russian Foreign Ministry said that foreigners wishing to attend the 2014 Sochi Olympics "will have simplified visa procedures to negotiate," according to R-SPORT. Most foreigners need tourist visas to enter Russia, but those with Olympic tickets will be granted access to special "Olympic windows" at Russian embassies and consulates around the world. Sochi visitors "will not need to provide confirmation of a hotel booking as is usually the case, and they will be exempt from waiting in regular visa lines" (R-SPORT, 12/5). R-SPORT also reported Russia could bid for the Special Olympics. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "Of course, the Special Olympic Games may be organized in Russia. We have everything necessary for that. And we will discuss it with my colleagues who are dealing with it at the international level." Russia will host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games this winter (R-SPORT, 12/5). The EXPRESS TRIBUNE reported the IOC has officially endorsed the Pakistan Olympic Association led by Lt. General Arif Hasan after "reviewing the status of sport bodies in the country and their relationship with their respecitve international counterparts" (EXPRESS TRIBUNE, 12/4).
