Thread by @bbaschuk

SCOOP: Today the @wto will issue its first ever ruling in a national security dispute.

That's a problem for @USTradeRep which says the WTO has no authority to mediate national security matters.

Story here; bloom.bg/2Ucdltl

@wto @USTradeRep The ruling both confirms the @wto's authority to adjudicate GATT Article 21 national security disputes and to determine whether a country's measures are indeed necessary to protect a country’s security.

@wto @USTradeRep U.S. trade officials say the @wto has no authority to mediate national security matters and should simply issue a decision that says the matter is outside of the WTO’s remit.

Today's ruling could force the US to justify why the EU, Canada, Mexico steel poses a security threat.

@wto @USTradeRep Today's ruling centers on a series of Russian trade restrictions on Ukrainian goods in transit through the Russian territory.

Dispute info here: bit.ly/2JNa1Rd

@wto @USTradeRep Today's final report upholds, in part, Russia's claim that its measures are permitted under Article 21 of the GATT, which allows countries to take any action which it considers necessary for the protection of its essential security interests.

Article 21: bit.ly/2GJrfKm

@wto @USTradeRep The public ruling in the case is expected to be issued in May.
This week's report in the dispute will be issued confidentially to the parties in the dispute - Russia & Ukraine - after which it will go a several months-long translation process.

@wto @USTradeRep Worth noting that this ruling can be appealed or withdrawn if there is an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to settle the matter outside the @wto