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Russian bid to join WTO held up over farm subsidies
January 25, 2002
AFP
Russia's bid to join the WTO, the subject of two days of formal talks here this week, is hampered by Moscow's determination to maintain agricultural subsidies, diplomats said.
Russia has been seeking admission to the World Trade Organization since 1993. This week's negotiations drew the participation of representatives from 78 WTO member countries as well as a large team from Moscow.
Diplomats here said that while tangible progress was made, the issue of farm subsidies remained a stumbling block.
While a WTO ministerial conference in Doha, Qatar last November adopted a resolution calling for the gradual elimination of subsidies, Russia insists they are necessary.
Citing the expense involved in the shipment of produce to ports over long distances, Russian delegates said some form of government assistance was needed to help farmers living in remote parts of the country.
Several WTO members also criticized Russia for the government protection it extends to its civil aviation and aeronautics industries.
There was likewise opposition expressed to Russia's request for a long transition period before it applies WTO regulations on sanitary standards affecting trade in agricultural products.
The head of the WTO working group on Russia, Kare Bryn of Norway, on Thuesday described this week's discussions as constructive and said Moscow's adhesion process would be speeded up.
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