The G-8 must maintain discipline and refrain from meddling in the politics and internal affairs of each other. It has proved to be serious and successful about stable financial markets. It followed principles of cooperation and like-minded fiscal policies, and avoided a path to undermining and interference.

It sends the wrong signal to most Russians if the G-8 - or rather the old pack of the G-7 - attends the counter summit on Russian soil. It has only been a short period since Russia became a "full member" of the G-8 and this is the first meeting of the group in Russia, which eased the concerns of nationalists in Russia.

Official meddling and alternative summits will fuel nationalism and isolation and will slow the process of open structures. The nationalists remind others that, not long ago, Russia's attendance was framed within a G-7+1 format and limited to economic issues within the club. Many Russians perceived a half-hearted commitment from the capitalist club. A noticeable majority took it as a sign and a boast about "winning" the Cold War. Many observed that the West engaged Germany after the Second World War but isolated Russia after 1990.

Elections over the next two years will move Messrs. Bush, Blair, Chirac and Putin out of office. But Russia is hardly California where an inexperienced, albeit popular personality, akin to Reagan or Schwarzenegger can govern 11 time zones.

The G-8 of industrialised nationals must show leadership, mature relevance and even-handed policies to the whole world. Their control of more than 70% of world's GDP compels them to lead and engage much more serious world issues -- global warming, AIDS, and WTO rounds on agricultural trade. Letting Russians formulate their own political formations can demonstrate such relevance and maturity.