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Ukraine’s complaint to WTO against Russia futile — agricultural watchdog chief

The history of bans indicates that Russia has repeatedly drew Ukraine’s attention to the quality and safety of the products it provides, Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor head says

© KEYSTONE/Martial Trezzini

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor has dismissed as futile Ukraine’s complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Russia’s ban on the import of Ukrainian crop produce, imposed on October 22, the agency’s chief Sergey Dankvert told TASS on Friday.

“When we introduce bans we are perfectly aware that lawsuits may follow. In this particular case, we have considered all likely options,” he explained.

Dankvert said that before lodging a protest to the WTO, Ukraine will have to hold consultations regarding the previous Rosselkhoznadzor bans. In the meantime, the history of bans indicates that Russia has repeatedly drew Ukraine’s attention to the quality and safety of the products it provides, the official said.

Rosselkhoznadzor’s full ban on the import of Ukraine’s quarantined products is a fourth restrictive measure by the Russian watchdog in a row. Earlier, the agency restricted the import of potatoes, the presence of foods in hand luggage, and then supplies of soybeans, Dankvert recalled.

“Uncontrolled cargoes keep crossing the border, which is evidence that their veterinary service defaults on its obligations. For this reason, their intention to build a wall along the border is very useful from the standpoint of veterinary and phytosanitary safety,” Dankvert said.

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Ukraine Agriculture

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