MFA views EU’s prohibitive tariffs on grain from Belarus, Russia as elimination of competitors
An archive photo
SMOLEVICHI DISTRICT, 3 June (BelTA) – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Igor Nazaruk commented on the decision of the Council of the European Union to levy prohibitive tariffs on grain products from Belarus and Russia as he spoke to journalists, BelTA has learned.
“This is the elimination of competitors in a non-market way. This also constitutes violation of a number of agreements and conventions on international trade. And one more thing that we have not yet fully explored is whether the European Union fully honors its obligations within the World Trade Organization. In fact, they are moving away from conventional duties and imposing something different. They think this is possible with Belarus, as it is not member of WTO, but Russia is a very significant partner within WTO. We need to delve deeper into this matter,” said Igor Nazaruk.
Belarus has already taken a number of measures in response. “We knew that tariffs would be increased and we have taken appropriate retaliatory measures against the most zealous EU members. I think our partners in the EU will not like our retaliatory measures. According to our economists, these measures will achieve the same effect that was sought to be achieved in relation to Belarus,” the deputy foreign minister remarked.
