Interfax - 02.01.2002

 

From David Johnson List

Jackson-Vanik Amendments Not to Apply to Russia Within Months

WASHINGTON. Jan 31 (Interfax) - The United States will adopt decisions no later than within four months under which the Jackson-Vanik Amendment will not apply to Russia and Russia is regarded as a market economy, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov told the press following his meeting with U.S. Secretary of Trade in Washington on Thursday.

"Good progress is being made in these issues in bilateral relations," he said. The recognition of Russia as a market economy will lead to the lifting of restrictions, now in force, on supply of Russian steel to the United States, Kasyanov said.

"I heard positive signals from the secretary of trade today," he said. Kasyanov noted "significant movement" in talks with the U.S. Administration on Russia joining the World Trade Organization.

"One can be optimistic about Russia's entry of the WTO under standard conditions without additional requirements," Kasyanov said. U.S. officials appreciate this Russian position, he said.

Kasyanov would not give specific date of U.S. President George W. Bush's visit in Russia. The visit is expected in May, he said.