Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine,
Thu, December 22, 2005
KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada [parliament] has changed the law “On Veterinary Medicine” in accordance with requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The draft law No. 7602 “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Veterinary Medicine” received approval of 254 MPs when only 226 votes were necessary to pass it.
The aim of the draft law is harmonization of the national legislation in the sphere of sanitary and veterinary regulation with provisions of the WTO agreement on application of sanitary measures.
The draft sets requirements to veterinary and sanitary quality and safety of inedible food products of animal origin, environmental protection, as well as powers of the state authorities, rights and duties of legal entities in the sphere of veterinary, sanitary and environmental well-being, quarantine of animals, performing of state veterinary and sanitary control and supervision.
It is expected that approval of the draft law will bring Ukrainian legislation in accordance with requirements of the WTO agreement, will facilitate entry to this organization and will increase export of agricultural products.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, Ukraine previously aimed to join the WTO before 2006 and expected a decision on its admission to be made at the ministerial conference of the WTO that took place in Hong Kong in December.
The Economics Ministry is now forecasting that Ukraine will join the WTO by July 2006. -30-
Action Ukraine Report (AUR) 