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Economic restrictions imposed by Russia against Turkey in line with WTO norms — minister
Economic restrictions, which Russia is now imposing against Turkey, are in line with the norms of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev said on Thursday.
"I’d like to say that this kind of restrictions is fully in line with the norms of the World Trade Organization. Article 21 of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) from 1994 enables introduction of various restrictions in trade of commodities and services and in the field of investment in case of threat to national security. We’re evidencing this case," the minister said.
Ulyukayev said the ministry will "specify the positions, which are most efficient from the viewpoint of undiminished business of Russian companies, which are cooperating with Turkish enterprises," and "this kind of offers will be prepared very soon."
According to Russia’s federal law on special economic measures from December 30, 2006 as well as pursuant to drafting of regulations in the form of presidential decree and government resolution, Russia can introduce measures aimed at providing security of the country and protection of legal rights and freedoms of its citizens, such as prohibiting or limiting financial, external economic, trade, investment operations, suspension of implementation of all or part of programs in the field of technical and economic aid and cooperation, cease or suspension of force of international trade agreements of the Russian Federation or other international agreements regarding external economic ties, the official said.
Besides, he said, within those measures Russia can change customs duties and set them on a number of Turkish commodities, ban or limit calling of Turkish ships at Russian ports as well as using Russia’s airspace, restrict tourist activity, withdraw from science and technical programs.