Russia claims no obstacles to prevent the development of Polish - Russian trade

"We are not placing any obstacles in the way of developing trade similar to that before 1998." He added that when the Polish government began protecting Polish coal mines by blocking Russian coal imports the situation of Polish food producers began to worsen as they experienced problems with selling their products to Russian markets. Between January - May, 1999 export of food products from Poland to Russia amounted to $98.5 million compared to $407.8 million in the corresponding period of 1998. Russian representatives said the major reason for this drop is "switching Polish trade to Western Europe and canceling many contracts with Russian partners." (Rzeczpospolita, Sep. 4-5, page B2)