Russia punishes fruits and vegetables of disloyal countries

Moscow's perceived attempts to punish Moldova for closer ties with the EU have only brought the supplier closer to Europe, and Armenia risks following suit. In mid-July, Russia's agricultural watchdog Rossilhospnadzor imposed a ban on imports from 16 major Armenian fruit and vegetable suppliers, citing exceeding permitted levels of pesticide residues in Armenian tomatoes and apples. This is reported by Fruitnet. The paper notes that since Armenia is heavily dependent on neighboring Russia, which accounts for 90% of its exports, many analysts believe the ongoing ban has more to do with Armenia's apparent drift towards Western markets. Nevertheless, the countries agreed that Russian officials will visit Armenia at the end of August for a joint inspection of places of production, processing, storage and shipment of products destined for Russia. "There is nothing new in tactics. In 2006, Russia responded to attempts by Georgia and Moldova to move closer to the EU by banning wine from ...