Source: WTO calls arbiters to discuss EU claim on Russian duties

GENEVA, Mar 25 (PRIME) -- The World Trade Organization (WTO) will convene a panel of arbiters to resolve a dispute between the E.U. and Moscow over Russian duties on imports of paper, cardboard, palm oil and fridges, a source with knowledge of the situation told PRIME Wednesday.

“Such a decision has been made today,” the source said.

On March 10, Russia dismissed an E.U. request to call arbiters to solve the issue, with officials saying that Moscow is ready and prefers discussions during bilateral consultations with Brussels. Under the WTO rules, Russia cannot turn down the second request to call the panel.

WTO arbiters have already started discussions of Russian duties on E.U. pigs, pork and light commercial vehicles from Italy and Germany.

End