Russia’s ban on pork imports is “political pressure”: Grybauskaite’s advisor

A ban on pork imports to Russia, as well as an earlier embargo on milk products, and checks against Lithuanian carriers, are of a kind of political pressure, says Nerijus Udrenas, Chief Advisor on the economy and social policy to President Dalia Grybauskaite in an interview with Ziniu Radijas radio.

"Lithuania is making and will make every effort that Russia's ban on Lithuanian meat products will be lifted. Yet, we see that this as well as the embargo on milk products, and cases of carriers' inspections, seems to be of a kind of political pressure," said Udrenas.

According to the presidential advisor, the European Commission considers Russia's decision to ban imports of live pigs and pork from the entire Europe to be disproportional.

"Additional restrictive measures against Poland and Lithuania means greater proof of non proportionality. Lithuania together with its partners, the EU and the Commission, will defend its interests. A decision was made to turn to the World Trade Organization," said Udrenas.

The presidential advisor said that the Russian market is difficult, risky, and unpredictable, and "every businessman should measure his risk and make his own decisions."

"The most important task is to make every effort in searching markets alternative to the Russian one and it is being done. The meeting between the President and EU officials should facilitate a faster entry into the US market," said Udrenas.

On Monday, the ban introduced by the Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary Supervision on imports of prefabricated meat products from Poland and Lithuania came into effect. It is estimated that due to this ban Lithuanian companies will lose approximately LTL 14 million (EUR 4 million) each month.