Ukraine Initiates Dispute Settlement Proceeding Against Moldovia

Proving that the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement process is not just for the international heavy-weights, Ukraine filed a request for consulations with Moldova yesterday concerning the importation and sale of goods in Moldova (WT/DS421/1).  This is the first time Moldova has been involved in a WTO dispute settlement proceeding since it joined the WTO in 2001 and only the second time for Ukraine (both times as complainant).

The request for consultations formally initiates a dispute settlement proceeding at the WTO. Mandatory consultations are intended to give the parties an opportunity to settle the matter without resort to further litigation. After 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, Ukraine, as complainant, may request the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel.

(cgb)