You're reading: US official urges repeal of Russia trade law

MOSCOW— US Trade Representative Ron Kirk says a top priority for his office this year is repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment that can be used to put trade restrictions onRussia.

The Cold War-era amendment allows denial of most-favored-nation status to non-market countries that restrict emigration. Although the United States has grantedRussiaannual waivers since 1994, the law remains an irritant to investors andRussianpoliticians.

Some U.S. lawmakers have indicated they would support repeal of Jackson-Vanik in exchange for passage of the so-called Magnitsky bill that would barRussianofficials accused of human rights abuses from the United States.

Kirk said the two measures should not be linked.