MOSCOW - RUSSIA on Friday lifted a ban on swine and pork imports from four US states, as US President Barack Obama prepared to visit Moscow.
The decision affects imports from Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas and New Jersey 'because the animal disease linked to (the swine flu virus) has stabilised,' said sanitary and veterinary authority Rosselkhoznadzor, quoted by Itar-Tass news agency.
The ban had been imposed on June 3 because of the spread of the virus that causes the H1N1 flu, said Mr Rosselkhoznadzor, without elaborating.
According to the latest toll published by the World Health Organisation, the A(H1N1) virus has infected 89,921 people in 125 countries and territories and killed 382.
The US president is due to visit Moscow on Monday through Wednesday in a bid to 'reset' relations with Russia that were badly strained under the administration of his predecessor, George W Bush. -- AFP
