WTO to restart talks on Russian entry

27 May, 2008 04:51 / Updated 17 years ago

The World Trade Organisation agreed on Monday to resume talks on Russia's accession. However no deadline was set to complete the negotiations.

Russia still needs to satisfy other group members on issues like its state-run enterprises, export duties and agricultural subsidies. Georgia has been blocking Russia's entry to the WTO because of Moscow's ties with the two breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia must also reach a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia over restrictions on investment in its oil and gas industry. The talks will resume in June.