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Protocol on Russia’s WTO accession not contradicts Constitution

A group of State Duma parliamentarians disputed in court the constitutionality of some provisions of this international treaty and its ratification procedure
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

ST PETERSBURG, July 9 (Itar-Tass) — Russia’s Constitutional Court has recognized that the Protocol on Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization complies with the country’s basic law.

A group of State Duma parliamentarians disputed in court the constitutionality of some provisions of this international treaty and its ratification procedure.

“Intentions of WTO member-states expressed in the agreement’s preamble do not contradict the principles of Russia’s constitutional system fixed in the Constitution. Neither the Marrakesh Agreement nor the Protocol (on Russia’s accession to the WTO) envisage restriction of the rights and freedoms of citizens or sovereignty of the Russian Federation,” Constitutional Court chairman Valery Zorkin said announcing the verdict.