Peskov: "Putin cancels joining Open Government this year."

President Vladimir Putin has cancelled Russia’s joining the Open Government Partnership this year, the Russian leader’ press secretary Dmitry Peskov said in a statement.

The official specified that the decision does not seek to wrap up work, but change the timelines and the degree of Russia’s involvement in the international organization, the Kommersant daily quotes Peskov as saying.

The Open Government Partnership is an international initiative of more than 50 countries seeking greater transparency and the authorities’ accountability. Russia said in April 2012 it would join the initiative.