MINSK, 23 May (BelTA) – Belarus is still intent on raising the customs duties on cars imported by individuals up to Russia’s level as from 1 July 2011. The statement was made by First Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Petrishenko at a session of the International Affairs and CIS Relations Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus on 23 May. Asked by MP Vladimir Kuzhanov whether there was any truth in reports that Belarus might not raise car import duties on 1 July, the official said he was not aware of such plans. Belarus has undertaken these obligations and fulfils them, said Igor Petrishenko. In his words, Belarus does its best to move all control functions from the Belarusian-Russian customs border to the exterior outline. He also explained that Russia has reserved the right to selectively apply customs control to third-party commodities, including cars, till 1 July 2011. nParticipants of the session of the International Affairs and CIS Relations Commission discussed two international documents relating to the Customs Union. They are supposed to be ratified by the House of Representatives soon. In particular, the Commission decided to recommend the protocol on amending the treaty on the Customs Union Commission for ratification. The protocol was signed in Moscow in December 2010 and has been applied since the signing date on a temporary basis. The protocol will reduce the minimal time between the publication and enforcement of resolutions the Commission issues from one month to the day of official publication. The protocol also provides for expanding functions of the Commission. It will be authorized to set up coordinating and consultative bodies.

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