Official says countersanctions law to have no US pharma ban

MOSCOW, May 16 (PRIME) -- Russia’s U.S. countersanctions bill which passed the first reading in the State Duma, parliament’s lower chamber, on Tuesday, will contain no restrictions of pharmaceuticals’ imports, Chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko told PRIME in an interview released on Wednesday.

“I remind you that the law is of a framework character, and it contains no restrictions which worried people so much, concerning pharmaceuticals and healthcare equipment, as well as measures which could harm our country, our society, the people,” Matviyenko said.

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.

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