GENEVA, October 24. /TASS/. Russia is supporting predictability and further development of the multilateral trade system, preservation of the central role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in international trade and the full-fledged restoration of the dispute settlement mechanism in the WTO, including operations of the Appellate Body, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Vladimir Ilyichev told TASS.

The official is taking part in the meeting of senior officials dedicated to preparations for the 13th ministerial conference of the WTO, provisionally scheduled for next February.

"WTO members are discussing the bunch of issues during two days in an extended format. In particular, a special meeting was held, dedicated to the deadlock regarding the dispute settlement mechanism, including the Appellate Body blocked by Americans," Ilyichev said.

"We have repeatedly outlined our position," he noted. "The full-fledged restoration of activities of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) is needed, including the Appellate Body. Any WTO members should have an opportunity to exercise the right to protect its interests in accordance with rules of the Organization - to dispute a trade measure that is unfair from its point of view," the official stressed.

"The entire dispute resolution system ceased to be effect since blocking of the Appellate Body by Americans. What was ruined should be restored. I regret saying no consensus is seen so far. At the same time, the decision is needed like never before - the overwhelming majority of participants recognizes this," he added.

"The stability of the multilateral trade system is under serious threat due to the wave of protectionist measures," Ilyichev said.