Duma approves US retaliation bills in 1st reading

MOSCOW, May 15 (PRIME) -- The State Duma, Russian parliament’s lower chamber, approved in the first reading a draft law on retaliation against the U.S. sanctions and a bill on criminal liability for fulfillment of the Western sanctions on Tuesday.

The second reading of the retaliation bill is slated for Thursday.

On April 6, the U.S. imposed sanctions against 38 Russian tycoons, officials and companies. A bill on countersanctions against the U.S. was submitted to the State Duma on April 13, it includes restricting employment of U.S. citizens, stopping nuclear and aircraft cooperation, banning imports of rare earth metals, U.S.-made agricultural, alcoholic, tobacco products and software.

The bill on liability for sanctions fulfillment stipulates an up to four-year imprisonment and an up to 600,000 ruble fine. Russians who introduce restrictive measures against Russia can face up to three years in prison and up to 500,000 rubles in fines.

(61.7684 rubles – U.S. $1)

End