The Winter Olympic Games in Sochi should not be a place for political manifestations, a high-ranking Russian official said Friday.

"Olympics is not a political event, it is not a proper place for various political protests and for expression of one's political position," Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak told a meeting in Sochi.

Kozak is in charge of preparations for the 22nd Winter Olympics due in Sochi on Feb. 7 - 23.

Sochi city authority designated Khosta square outside of the city downtown for mass rallies during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Kozak described that place "rather comfortable and convenient" for conducting the rallies should someone would like to stage a political manifestation.

Also, according to the official, quality of water and air in that Black Sea resort has improved compared to December 2007 -- the time before the construction works of the Olympic venues have begun.

Over 80,000 workers have been working at the Olympics construction sites. "Air pollution decreased two-fold, thanks to modernization of transportation infrastructure and environmental protection operations," he said. Endi

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