Valery Markov, the first vice speaker of the Komi State Council, said that his republic had no intention of separating from Russia or “participate in the political games of US Presidential candidate John McCain,” who he said seeks to destroy the Russian Federation by promoting the recognition of all non-Russian republics.
Марков: Коми не намерена отделяться от России
What is interesting is that Markov felt compelled or was compelled to make this statement.
Source: Window on Eurasia