If Ukraine quits CIS, RF to take measures to protect agro market

If Ukraine quits the CIS or signs an agreement on association with the European Union, Russia will take measures in the WTO to protect its agricultural market, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told a congress of deputies from rural settlements.

"If our (Ukrainian) partners leave the CIS or sign an agreement on association with the EU, and they at least talk about it, I mean the current leaders who apparently are seeking this, in the case, we will have to revise the terms of cooperation in agrarian business with our Ukrainian colleagues and take measures to protect the Russian agrarian market within the procedures of the World Trade Organization," Medvedev noted, adding that it would be a tough decision, but the government would have to take it.

"Our domestic agricultural producers’ interests are of the most importance for us, but not interests of some others, even living in countries close to us. All should understand this," the Russian premier said.

Speaking about state support for the sector, he noted that despite the difficult period and cuts of some programmes, there were no reasons for agrarians to worry. "It does not affect agrarian programmes. I emphasize once more all of them will be preserved, and when there is additional financing, we will channel it into state support," Medvedev assured.