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| Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 |
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Obama signs Russian trade and human rights billBy The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has signed a bill that will expand trade with Russia but could antagonize relations with Moscow over its treatment of dissidents. While welcoming better trade relations, Russia has threatened retaliation over a section of the law that would punish Russian officials who allegedly commit human rights violations. A Russian official suggested sanctions could be imposed on U.S. officials accused of rights violations in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. Arizona Sen. John McCain, a main sponsor of the human rights measure, says it will help the Russian people by "sending a signal" to Russian President Vladimir Putin that human rights abuses will not be tolerated. The law eliminates a 1974 law that tied trade relations with the former Soviet Union to the emigration of Jews and other minorities. 2012-12-14 19:07:33 GMT |
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