Russia wants U.S. to remove Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions
The Russian government has stepped up efforts to pressure the United States to remove bilateral trade restrictions in place since the implementation of a Jackson-Vanik amendment in 1974, the Associated Press reported.
The Jackson-Vanik amendment restricts trade to Russia over human rights concerns. The repeal is necessary to allow the United States to freely trade with Russia once it finalizes its membership in the World Trade Organization.
The AP reported that Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, plans to seek the removal of Russia from the 1974 Jackson-Vanik amendment.
