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Russia must meet obligations to join WTO this year - commissioner

Karel de Gucht confirmed that strong differences persist as to the regime of industrial assembly of vehicles in Russia

BRUSSELS, September 26 (Itar-Tass) — The European Union and Russia continue fundamental discussions on Russia’s WTO bid, EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht said on Monday.

The EU commissioner said all EU countries unanimously support Russia’s entry in the World Trade Organization before the end of this year. However, Russia must meet its obligations, and then the EU will meet its obligations, he stressed.

Karel de Gucht confirmed that strong differences persist as to the regime of industrial assembly of vehicles in Russia. This issue was considered at a session of the European Council on trade issues earlier on Monday, but no practical decision has been reached on the issue as of yet. He declined to elaborate on these differences.

The commissioner said he has met twice over the recent weeks with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, adding that negotiations will continue.