G-8 decisions ineffective without India, China: Medvedev

Moscow, Sep 3 (UNI) Stressing that the Group of Eight (G-8) was not capable of functioning wihout Russia, President Medvedev has said without the presence of India and China in the ''outreach format'', the decisions made by the group of industrialised nations will not be effective.

''Even the G-8 itself is already aware that without the presence of India and China, and use of the so called outreach format, several decisions in the G-8 format will not be fully effective,'' Medvedev said in an interview to Euro News TV channel.

He referred to the West's possible move to expell Russia from G-8 or impose a ban on the country joining the WTO, in connection with Russia-Georgia conflict over South Ossetia.

''The G-8 will not survive without Russia,'' he said emphatically.

''The matter of the WTO is a particular economic subject,'' he said, adding, ''Indeed, we would like to join the WTO, but not at any cost.'' UNI XC ATI HS2242