Hey I was wondering if anyone knew any facts on why congress rejected Russias bid for the WTO. And was it across party lines.
2006-07-20 12:33:37 · 4 answers · asked by Ski_Bum 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Russian Economy Minister German Gref told a news conference that the main stumbling block was a disagreement over Russian health standards for US meat products.
Some of Moscow's trading partners suspect the health regulations are applied in order to justify politically motivated embargoes.
Gref said Washington had asked Moscow to issue certificates authorizing the entry of US meat products before the necessary checks had been carried out.
"The health of the population was involved ... We have to carry out all the procedures to guarantee the safety of produce sold in Russia."
The United States has in addition been pressing for Russian guarantees on the opening of the country's financial sector to foreign participants and for a reduction in agricultural subsidies.
Bush hinted at domestic, political hurdles that need to be overcome in the United States before an agreement can be signed with Moscow.
"We want the agreement that we reach to be accepted by our United States Congress," the president said.
At present he enjoys "fast track" trade negotiating authority, which means Congress can approve or reject -- but not amend -- trade deals negotiated by the White House. But his fast track mandate is scheduled to end in the middle of next year.
For Russia to enjoy normal trade relations with the United States, Bush will have to win Congressional backing for the abrogation of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which could prove to be complicated.
The amendment, approved in 1974 in response to actions by certain countries that denied Jews the right to emigrate to Israel, imposes limitations on US commercial relations with Russia.
Bush in addition could face politically uncomfortable pressure from US business circles if a WTO deal did not secure the right of Western companies to take part in lucrative Russian energy projects.
2006-07-20 12:39:03 · answer #1 · answered by notoriousnicholas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Russia was rejected because of their reversal in human rights in recent years. Russia is reverting back to the centralized government, government control of the Press, and one other I can't recall. So due to this they were not admitted.
2006-07-20 19:37:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"compliance of the Russian legislation and law practice with the WTO standards" have not been fully met...
2006-07-20 19:36:59 · answer #3 · answered by kool_rock_ski_stickem 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Putin is a former KGB colonel. SO what they said. You can figure this out.
2006-07-20 19:38:33 · answer #4 · answered by powerball05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋