Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak has declared the Sochi Winter Olympics a success, claiming that the Games have been successful in "breaking the ice of scepticism" surrounding the host nation.
Russia's credentials as an Olympic host had been called into question in the build-up to the Games following the arrests of several political dissidents, as well as the implementation of a nationwide anti-gay propaganda law which was seen to be curbing the rights of homosexuals.
Security was also a concern with claims of terrorists targeting the Black Sea resort town, which caused the United States to issue warnings to airlines flying into the world's largest country over alleged plots to smuggle explosives inside toothpaste tubes.
"The friendly faces, the warm Sochi sun and the glare of the Olympic gold have broken the ice of scepticism towards the new Russia," Kozak told reporters.
"The Games have turned our country, its culture and the people into something that is a lot closer and more appealing and understandable for the rest of the world.
"We were certain that the security agencies were able to accomplish the task... their work was stellar, I repeat stellar. Friendly smiling police officers. We fulfilled this task brilliantly."
Sales of Sochi Winter Olympics tickets were reported to have exceeded one million a week ago.
Giuseppe Labellarte
