Russia expects from EC suggestions to lift concerns about free trade deal with Ukraine

Russia is expecting from the European Commission suggestions on lifting its concerns about coming into force of the agreement on free trade between the EU and Ukraine, Russia’s Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov told reporters, commenting on the official statement on Monday the EU Council postpones the document taking effect until December 31, 2015.
“This decision was expected and it goes in line with the agreement reached by the three parties (Russia-Ukraine-EU in Brussels) on September 12,” he said.
“Not all EU states are satisfied with this delay, moreover, one or several countries of the community could veto this decision in theory, because a consensus is needed for its approval,” Chizhov said.
“Meanwhile, there are no reasons for excitement, there are some reasons for mobilizing intellectual and other resources for further work. Fifteen months will pass soon, particularly if you are sitting idle and are doing nothing,” he noted.
“I believe there is enough time for a compromise, though this road would not be smooth. My position here is that in the near future, without waiting for the new members of the European Commission (who will start working on November 1), to begin working on the list of Russian concerns, which was presented to the European Commission on September 12. Russia has outlined five problematic issues: tariffs, standards and technical regulations, phytosanitary and veterinary norms, energy, and, finally, customs administration,” he said.

“A date of another tripartite meeting is not fixed yet. Experts continue their work, but the ball is at the EU’s side now. They have received a list of our concerns, and now we are expecting their suggestions,” the Russian diplomat said.
Meanwhile, after talks Russian Minister of Economic Development Alexey Ulyukaev told reporters that negotiators had agreed at the tripartite ministerial meeting on September 12 that “problems Russia stated about the implemention of the EU-Ukrainian Association Agreement exist and are not far-fetched.”
“The parties to talks agreed that some time is needed to cope with these issues, therefore, implementation of the Ukrainian-EU Association Agreement after ratification of this treaty will be delayed until December 31, 2015,” Ulyukaev said.