Russian experts to inspect Polish meat companies

Poland has agreed to grant Russian inspectors access to companies exporting meat to Russia, a Russian presidential aide said on Friday.

"The Polish chief veterinary doctor has sent a letter to his Russian counterpart saying Russian veterinary officials will be allowed to inspect companies in Poland specializing in meat exports to Russia," Sergei Yastrzhembsky said, adding that the first inspections could take place in November.

Negotiations on a new strategic agreement between Russia and the European Union have been stalled by Poland, an EU member since 2004, over Russia`s ban on Polish meat products, which Moscow said failed to meet sanitary and safety requirements.

Poland said last week it could also bar Russia`s entry to the WTO if Moscow failed to lift the embargo.

Polish Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga urged Russia Friday to lift the embargo.

"Embargo is one of the most serious negotiating devices, and nothing justifies its use," the minister told the press in Warsaw. "I think the embargo was imposed for political, not economic reasons. I do not think sanitary norms in Poland are worse than those in Russia," Fotyga said, adding that this was an issue of "a lack of good will."

The Polish diplomat also said the barriers posed an economic disadvantage to the country which imposed them. She said hopefully the two nations` willingness to communicate would help settle the problem.

"Both Russia and Poland had better review the situation," Fotyga said.

sections: Society, World News