Russia Optimistic About WTO Deal With U.S.

(epa) July 12, 2006 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he is optimistic a deal with the United States on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) can be reached before the two countries' presidents meet this week.

Lavrov said both countries are undertaking "very intense efforts" to strike a deal.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President George W. Bush are to meet before the July 15-17 G8 summit in St. Petersburg.

(AP)

Russia And Global Energy Security

An oil field in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan (TASS file photo)

ENERGY SECURITY is increasingly moving to the top of the EU's agenda in its dealings the outside world. A recent report identifies the European Union's main energy objectives as not just securing gas and oil deliveries from Russia, but also ensuring that it has reliable alternative sources, including in Central Asia. Nonetheless, EU officials say relations with Russia take center-stage in their thinking....(more)

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