Russia Won't Join WTO

Russia will not be able to join the World Trade Organization before the end of this year, the head of the Economy Ministry's Trade Negotiations Department and Russia's chief WTO negotiator said.

Maxim Medvedkov added that Russia might not join the organization also in 2007.

"So, we have enough time to prepare for WTO membership and understand the perks and pitfalls of joining the world trade family," Medvedkov said.