Russia will only allow poultry imports from...

Tougher sanitary regulations regarding poultry processing that restrict the use of chlorine and moisture content came into force in Russia January 1. U.S. companies have traditionally used chlorine in poultry processing and may not be able to supply their products to Russia any longer.

Talks between Russia and the U.S. were to start in Moscow on Tuesday.

"We respect the standards of [our] U.S. colleagues. They should also respect our national standards," Zubkov said, adding he would like the negotiations to take place in a calm atmosphere.

"We are not interested in any conflicts," he said.

The official said the Russian government had been hoping U.S. enterprises would change poultry processing technologies for Russia as was demanded in Europe in 1997.

"However, American poultry producers essentially ignored Russia"s demand, although they had been warned a year ago," he said, adding 96% of Russia"s poultry producers managed to introduce new chlorine-free

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