WTO norms allow Russia to introduce restrictions against Turkey - Ulyukayev
MOSCOW. Nov 26 (Interfax) - The norms of the World Trade Organization (WTO) allow Russia to implement economic restrictive measures against Turkey, Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said at a government session on Thursday.
"Really, in strict accordance with Russian legislation, with the federal law on special economic measures, on the basis of the development of regulatory acts in the form of a presidential order and a Russian governmental order, measures aimed at ensuring the security of the country and the defense of lawful interests, rights of freedoms of its citizens may be introduced," he said.
In this regard the minister outlined a number of areas for restrictions: bans on financial transactions or imposing restrictions on them, the prohibition of foreign trade operations, ie trade and investment or imposing restrictions on their implementation, suspension of the implementation of all or part of the programs in the field of technical and economic assistance and cooperation.
Ulyukayev also spoke about the possible termination or suspension of the activities of international trade agreements between Russia and other international contracts in terms of foreign economic relations, the establishment or modification of import and export duties, prohibition or restriction for vessels to Russian ports of call or the use of Russian airspace.
Additionally, there is also talk about establishing restrictions on tourist activities, banning or refusing to participate in international, scientific and technical programs.
"I want to say that such restrictions are in full compliance with the WTO rules, the 21st article of the GATT agreement of 1994 allows for the introduction of all of these restrictive measures on trade in goods and services and investments in the event that there is a threat to national security, such a condition that we are experiencing now," he said.
"Of course, we will have to determine exactly the positions that are most effective in terms of not damaging Russian companies which conduct business activities with Turkish companies and entrepreneurs. We will prepare such proposals very soon," he said.