July 18, 2006

Russia insists on inspecting US meat freezing plants

Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref said Monday (Jul 17) Russia insists on carrying out an inspection of beef and pork freezing procedures in the US, which would take three months.

The move follows requests by US officials that Russia issue veterinary certificates for the immediate supply of US beef and pork.

Gref's statement said the disagreement on health checks was the main reason why Russia and US failed to reach an agreement on Russia joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the G8 summit in St Petersburg.

Gref said US officials requested the issuance of the veterinary certificates as a necessary condition for Russia joining the WTO. His statement said, "However, under international law, we have the right to carry out an audit of the beef and pork freezing methods in the US.

"Our US partners requested that we issue such certificates without a prior audit but we prefer to carry out the procedure which will take three months and will be completed before the end of October."

Gref said it was a matter of principle as it concerned people's health and a three months' delay was not critical.

Gref said the protocol between Russia and US on Russia joining the WTO had been scheduled for signing at the end of October and Russia would finally join the WTO in Mar 2007.