Russian specialists are ready to inspect Polish meat factories

Russian veterinary specialists will fly to Poland on Monday 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.

sections: Society