Donetsk, Nov 16 - DAN. The lifting of restrictions on exports of goods to Russia and access to state procurements eases the procedure for trade turnover between Russia and the Donbass Republics, Donetsk People’s Republic Foreign Minister Natalia Nikonorova said.
“We’re unmeasurably thankful to the president of the Russian Federation for this humanitarian solution, dictated by the systemic and firm position of the Russian authorities on supporting the Donbass residents in the conditions of artificial “strangulation” of our economy,” Nikonorova said.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No 657 ordering the government to adopt measures aimed at easing access of Donbass-made products to Russian markets. The export/import limitations on Donbass goods will also be lifted. These measures will apply until a political settlement of the Donbass conflict based on the Minsk Agreements.
“All these measures will considerably ease the procedure of turnover between Donbass and Russia, support our enterprises, expand our opportunities and production capacities, create more jobs and in general help improve welfare in the Republic,” the DPR foreign minister said.
To implement the presidential decree, Russia is ready to amend its legislation whereas Ukraine has been unable for years to adopt a single amendment envisioned by international documents, or fulfil other conditions aimed at a peaceful settlement of the Donbass conflict, she noted.
“Over the conflict years, we have seen that Donbass has support which the Republics’ authorities use to continue to develop the industry, economy and trade. Donbass has a tremendous potential for growth and prosperity, and the decree proves it once again,” Nikonorova said.
Earlier, DPR Head Denis Pushilin thanked the Russian president for such a significant humanitarian step on behalf of the DPR residents.*jk