Novo-Ogaryovo - Russia is ready to hold consultations over association between the CIS members and the European Union, but if such agreements affect the free trade zone (FTZ) of the Commonwealth, Moscow will take protective measures, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
“They proposed a July date, we are ready (for consultations) in any format,” Lavrov said responding to a question posed by Interfax.
He added: “But the most important thing: when the agreements take effect which our partners in the CIS free trade zone are going to sign with the EU, and we realize that this is having an adverse effect on the functioning of the CIS FTZ, an adverse effect on the conditions under which we joined the WTO (World Trade Organization), we will, of course, take protective measures in full compliance with the WTO rules.”
