Russia may join WTO

Russia wants to be treated on accepted terms to join the World Trade Organisation, and does not claim preferential treatment, President Vladimir Putin said to a news conference at an European Union summit. Prospects for Russian WTO membership were among central topics as he conferred with EU leaders earlier on the day, added Mr. Putin. Anti-dumping moves are among the greatest Russian problems in foreign trade. They robbed it of US$2.5 billion within a few recent years, he complained, RIA Novosti reports. Russia is at a crossroads for new medium-term economic development strategies, and its choice will depend on the achievements of Stockholm talks, said the President.