Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has signed a law to extend a moratorium on land sales until Jan. 1, 2013, the presidential press service reported on Wednesday.

On Dec. 20, 2011, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law introducing amendments to Section No. 10 of the transitional provisions of the Land Code of Ukraine concerning a ban on the alienation of agricultural land and a change in its designated purpose.

The law prohibits until Jan. 1, 2013 the alienation and change of the designated purpose of commercial and private agricultural land.

The law also prohibits until Jan. 1, 2013 the putting of rights to land plots into the charter capital of business entities.