We have agreed on letting the previous date of April 1 to stay, said the minister. He added that EU and Russian experts were undertaking concerted efforts to make use of a uniform phytosanitary certificate.
We have got a proposal to consider the introduction of a certain transitional period," said Gordeev. He noted that this period would be similar to that which lasted from October 1, 2004 to January 1, 2005 when a uniform veterinary certificate for the European Union and separate certificates between Russian and EU nations were in parallel currency.
"We should give the European Union countries a chance to adapt," said Gordeev.
For his part, Kyprianou noted that they both were resolved to conclude that agreement as soon as possible, noting that Russia was among the major trade partners for the European Union.
The sides expressed the desire to conclude an agreement between the EU and Russia in the field of veterinary.
Russia suggests introducing a uniform phytosanitary certificate for the delivery of plants from the European Union since April 1, 2005 to replace the certificates signed by Russia with individual EU members. The agriculture ministry believes that this will not only enhance control over the quality of imported foodstuffs but also make it possible to obtain whole EU guarantees of their safety.
Gordeev also reported that a uniform veterinary certificate has been in force between Russia and the European Union since January 1.
