USTR Says Russia Moving Closer to Possible WTO Bid by Year's End

U.S. Trade Representative Kirk issued a statement welcoming the European Union's announcement that the EU and Russia have resolved remaining bilateral issues in the context of Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization. Kirk states that this development "marks an important advance in Russia's effort to conclude multilateral negotiations so that Russia may be formally invited to join the WTO in December." However, USTR Kirk did point to a number of issues that remain to be resolved, including final agreement on Russia's automotive investment program, Russia's commitment to join the WTO Information Technology Agreement, and certain issues related to trade in agriculture.