Kasyanov Confirms Russia's Aspiration To Full Membership In World Trade Organisation

Russia's goal is full membership in the World Trade Organisation, stated Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov at the ceremony opening the Days of Russian Economy at an international industrial fair in Hanover. However, Russia's accession to the organisation is not going to be easy because of the country's current problems. "We count on being granted a transitional period to be able to adjust Russian legislation to international economic norms," he noted. According to Kasyanov, the bulk of formal negotiations that are needed to join the World Trade Organisation will be over by the end of the year. In 2002, the sides will "set about to formulate accession protocols." At the moment, Russia needs economic encouragement just like it needs the political support offered by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder yesterday, added the premier, who said Russia was going to demand cancellation of anti-dumping procedures against Russian manufacturers and abolishment of quotas for Russian goods on world markets /in North America, for instance/.

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