USA believes talks on Russia WTO bid are in final phase - Ron Kirk.

WASHINGTON, October 4 (Itar-Tass) - The United States proceeds from
the fact that negotiations on Russia's WTO entry are in their final stage
and may be completed already this year, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk
confirmed after meeting with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Igor
Shuvalov in Washington on Monday.
According to his press service, the talks focused on a range of
issues, but with a focus on talks on Russia's entry in the World Trade
Organisation, which have entered a final phase.
Ron Kirk expressed confidence that the remaining issues, including
satisfactory resolution of bilateral discussions between Russia and
Georgia, would be settled in a constructive manner, enabling Russia to
conclude the WTO negotiations by the end of the year, the document said.
I was pleased to welcome Minister Shuvalov to Washington today," the
document quoted Kirk as saying. "We had a very productive conversation
about Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization. Russia has made
great progress on its accession bid. I look forward to continuing to work
with Minister Shuvalov and others in Russia as the process moves towards
its successful conclusion," he said.