Russia widens its meat import ban to all EU states

In partial response, Russia decided to close its borders to meat imports from all EU countries from January 1, 2007. However, Russia is ready to make an exception for six countries: Denmark, France, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany and Italy. The EU said two days ago that it does not agree to such bilateral agreements with selected countries. It claims that such an act would be inconsistent with the memorandum it signed with Russia. This is not the end of the bad news. Despite positive announcements, Ivan Bisiuk, the Ukrainian veterinary supervisor is not satisfied with the results of the inspection carried out in Polish meat companies. He thinks that Poland fulfilled only 30% of requirements made by Ukraine. Witold Choinski, the president of the Polish Meat Association, thinks that Russia's reaction was brought about by European Parliament's resolution which supported Poland in this case. (Puls Biznesu p. 9) M.M.