Moscow to Analyze TPP Trade Deal With Regard to Russian Interests

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia will analyze the recently reached Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement in regard to its own national interests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

"Of course, this needs to be analyzed. This is fairly new information, new agreements. Therefore, of course, this will be carefully assessed in regard to compliance with the Russian Federation's national interests before some kind of stance is formed," Peskov told reporters.

The TPP accord was reached by 12 Pacific Rim countries on Monday after five years of closely-held talks. Participants are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, which together account for 40 percent of the global trade.

The Kremlin spokesman lauded TPP’s stated goal to foster economic growth in the region and create jobs. But he cited Russian President Vladimir Putin warning the UN last week of the dangers that closed-door trade arrangements entail, including attempts to replace mechanisms of the World Trade Organization and international trade regulations.

The unusual secrecy surrounding TPP negotiations, and the uncertain implications of the deal for workers’ rights, national sovereignty, employment, copyright and the environment have drawn heavy criticism from members of government, economics experts and the public.