MOSCOW, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The Russian State Duma, or lower house of parliament, Tuesday passed a bill authorizing the president to impose sanctions in response to restrictions adopted by the United States and its allies, as well as other "unfriendly states" against Russia.
The bill was passed in its third and final reading.
"The document is aimed at protecting national interests and ensuring the security of the Russian Federation, the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens through the introduction of measures related to the prevention and suppression of illegal actions of foreign countries directed against Russia," a Duma statement said.
The bill entitles the Russian president to ban or restrict cooperation with entities of "unfriendly states," imports of goods produced by such entities and exports of Russian products and raw materials, a list of which is to be compiled by the government.
The sanctions will not be applied to vital goods, or goods the likes of which are not produced in the Russian Federation. They also will not apply to goods imported into Russia by Russian citizens, foreigners and stateless persons for personal use.
Foreign entities may also be banned from providing work and services for Russian state or municipal bodies, as well as from participating in the privatization of Russian property.
The bill authorizes the president to impose other sanctions not mentioned in its text.
The bill will now be sent to the Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, then to the president for signing into law, after which it has to be officially published to become effective.
