Davos Forum In Moscow Raises Russia's International Status, Says Russian Parliamentarian

Events like a visiting session of the Davos World Economic Forum in Russia raise the country's international status, believe Russian parliament. Moscow's choice as the venue for a regular visiting session of the forum means that both the US and European countries view Russia "as an equal partner," Konstantin Zaitsev, a member of the parliamentary committee on budget and taxes, said in an interview with RIA Novosti. The more international seminars, meetings and forums are held in Russia, the more complete and objective will be information that the West will get about the country's economic and political developments, the deputy believes. Speaking of Russia's plans to join the WTO, he expressed the opinion that Russia should press for "special terms". Russia is a country with vast raw materials and in joining the WTO it "should show healthy ambitions," he said.