Anti-piracy bill

Ukraine's parliament failed Thursday to approve a bill aimed at combatting piracy of compact discs, a measure that could prevent U.S. trade sanctions. U.S. authorities have long urged Ukraine to take measures against CD piracy and warned of sanctions if no steps were made before Dec. 12, when sanctions were to come into force. The deadline was delayed after bilateral talks. Only 220 lawmakers supported the bill on its second reading, six short of the minimum necessary to pass the measure. Ninety-five other deputies voted against it and two abstained. Eighty-one lawmakers ignored the vote, according to the parliamentary press service. Illegal production of CDs costs at least $250 million to $300 million a year in damages to the global record industry, according to experts. Ukraine's government estimates that the country may lose at least $400 million annually if sanctions are imposed.