The FINANCIAL – According to RIA Novosti, Russian veterinary specialists will fly to Poland on November 12 to inspect meat factories, in a bid to overcome the concerns behind Moscow's two-year embargo on Polish meat.
Russia's ban was enforced over accusations that Poland was supplying poor-quality meat from third countries. In retaliation, Poland has vetoed talks on a new Russia-EU partnership and cooperation agreement.
"When the inspection is over, the parties will discuss a schedule for certifying other meat suppliers, including meat-processing plants that are currently under the embargo," said Alexei Alexeyenko, a spokesman for Russian agricultural regulator Rosselkhoznadzor, adding that Poland had offered 62 meat enterprises for inspection.
Moscow's ban on Polish meat has proved a major source of tension between the countries. Center-right politician Donald Tusk's victory in Polish parliamentary elections last month prompted hopes that Warsaw would take a more accommodating stance on disputes with Russia, including on the meat issue.
Last Wednesday Poland agreed to admit Russian experts to its meat factories, signaling a reversal of the government's position under former prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski. The government had previously insisted that Moscow first lift its embargo.
