MOSCOW, July 7 (RIA Novosti, Christina Rodriguez) - Russia may join the World Trade Organization in late 2006 - early 2007, a senior Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe official said Thursday.
Kimmo Sasi, the PACE rapporteur on the economic situation in Russia, said that Russia was involved in a long negotiation process to join the WTO, but said the talks were going well and no additional conditions were needed for Russia to join the organization.
Sasi said late 2006 - early 2007 was quite a realistic timeframe for Russia's accession to the WTO. Russia has completed talks with 30 WTO members, who account for over 85% of Russia's foreign trade.
