14 Dec 2012 21:44

Obama signs Magnitsky Act linked with Jackson-Vanik Amendment termination

WASHINGTON DC. Dec 14 (Interfax) - U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Magnitsky Act linked with the termination of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment at the Oval Office of the White House on Friday, the White House reports.

Congressmen and senators, who drafted the Act, attended the signing ceremony.

The bill, which enters into force the moment it is signed, grants Russia the status of a normal trade partner but introduces visa and financial sanctions against Russian officials suspected by the United States of involvement in the death of Hermitage Capital lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and other human rights violations.