The authorities in Russia are considering tightening the re-export rules for Europe, with suspected document fraud being an immediate cause. In addition, Russia completed the inspections of Greek and Hungarian companies, but these countries do not have access to the Russian market yet. Russia is blocking three web shops that were offering banned products, and the authorities have reportedly intercepted Polish apples again. Russia and China are seeking closer cooperation, for instance through an agricultural investment fund with a value of 2 billion dollars, and a free trade zone. Russia also accuses the World Bank of putting political goals over economic ones, with six Russian requests being delayed during consideration by the World Bank. Armenia thinks the EEU should seek rapprochement with the countries south of the Union. And Ukraine, according to Russian sources, has passed a law making internment of Russians in Ukraine possible.
Ukraine passes internment law for Russians
Yesterday, the Ukrainian parliament passed a bill with broad support, allowing measures to intern Russians on Ukrainian soil, Russian website tass.ru reports. Russia isn't named directly in the law, but nationals of other countries that threaten to attack, or act aggressively toward Ukraine, are referred to. Under the law, Ukraine would be able to impose forced labour, expropriate possessions, and prohibit gatherings and freedom of movement for certain groups.
Tighter rules re-export in the making
The Russian authorities want to impose tighter rules on re-export from Europe, due to suspected document fraud. The papers would have to be sent to Russia to be checked before the transport, and it's possible that the list with products to which these rules will apply, will be expanded, Sergei Dankvert of the Russian phytosanitary service told fruitnews.
No export Greece, Hungary and Cyprus yet
Last month, Russia inspected several companies in Hungary, Greece and Cyprus. These inspections have to take place before they can export to Russia. According to the inspection, all visited companies could potentially return to the Russian market, and these companies would be willing to do so. As yet, no export permission has been given though.
2 billion dollar Chinese-Russian agriculture fund
China and Russia are strengthening their ties. In addition to cooperation in the realization of the mega-logistics project 'New Silk Route' and the joint military training in the Mediterranean, the two countries are also establishing an agriculture fund worth 2 billion dollars, and there are plans for a free trade zone for agricultural products. With the fund, large areas of agricultural land are to be used at the border between the countries. The experimental free trade zone between Heilongjiang (China) and Amur (Russia) is to promote trade in agricultural products. For the transactions, the rouble-yuan exchange rate is used. The cooperation fits into the Chinese strategy of building up international food provisions, with agricultural land being bought in Africa as well, and companies being taken over in Ukraine and Argentina.
Russia blocks websites
The Russian Prosecution Service has blocked three websites that were offering banned products. This involves sites that sold products from Europe including cheese in Russia, but other European and American products were sold as well. Blocking these websites should stop other web shop owners from offering banned products.
Armenia: EEU should work together with Iran and Gulf states
Last Friday, Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan called on the EEU (Eurasian Economic Union) to seek cooperation with more countries south of the Union. He specifically mentioned Iran, the Gulf states and Southeast Asia. "I think it's necessary to seek cooperation with the south, specifically to build better relations with Iran," the president said. He also wants the union to work together more closely with the BRICS. The EEU comprises Russia and several former Soviet republics, including Armenia.
Russia accuses World Bank of 'geo-economic games'
According to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the World Bank is playing a geo-economic game. Six Russian applications at the World Bank were delayed, two of those reportedly being humanitarian projects. "Those requests were fully in line with the World Bank's Millennium Goals," according to Russia. The Russians say the Bank puts political interests above economic ones, which means the bank would be promoting alternatives for the Western institutions. Earlier this year, the BRICS already agreed to establish their own BRICS bank.
Polish apples intercepted again
Between May 8 and 10, the Russian phytosanitary service stopped 130 tonnes of Polish apples, Russian site charter97.org reports. At checkpoint 'Red Hill', the authorities are said to have stopped over 76 tonnes of apples. The apples were imported through Belarus. Since early May, 600 tonnes of Polish apples have reportedly been stopped at the border.