(ANSA) - TRIESTE - The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Rosselkhoznadzor, said "it may impose temporary restrictions on imports of meat from Montenegro", Ria Novosti reported.

The restrictions are being evaluated due to suspected practice of re-export of embargoed European goods through the tiny Balkan country. According to Rosselkhoznadzor chief, Sergei Dankvert, Montenegrin companies have been re-exporting Dutch pork to Belarus, which shares a common economic and customs space with Russia.

Dankvert said that import of cooked meat products from Montenegro has already been banned due to this practice.

Currently only half-carcasses are allowed. But "if more violations follow, we will end imports completely", Dankvert warned. "Apparently, some Montenegro companies perceived the permit as an opportunity to make money by delivering illegal products to us", he concluded. Montenegro, an official EU candidate and Russia's historical ally, supported the EU sanctions against Russia introduced this spring. (ANSA)