Russia to Wrap Up WTO Talks in Two Months Amid Optimistic Negotiations

Russia is expected to wrap up all bilateral negotiations on accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) within two months, despite ongoing talks with several countries, including the United States, Colombia, and Australia. Maxim Medvedev, head of the Russian delegation, expressed optimism about the process, stating that the Americans had promised to complete the talks before the G8 summit in St. Petersburg in July.

Russia is still working to resolve outstanding issues with Moldova regarding veterinary and sanitary requirements for traditional imports from Moldova. Medvedev emphasized that the Russian delegation is in "constant negotiation" with the United States and is looking at the process with optimism.

The Russian delegation's efforts come as Gazprom's market capitalization continues to soar, reaching $224.56 billion on Monday, surpassing Royal Dutch Shell's capitalization of $218 billion. Gazprom has moved up to sixth place on the list of the world's largest public stock companies.

Key Takeaways:

• Russia expects to wrap up all bilateral negotiations on WTO accession within two months, despite ongoing talks with several countries.
• Maxim Medvedev, head of the Russian delegation, expressed optimism about the process, citing promises from the United States.
• Outstanding issues with Moldova regarding veterinary and sanitary requirements for traditional imports remain unresolved.
• Gazprom's market capitalization has reached $224.56 billion, surpassing Royal Dutch Shell's capitalization.
• Russia is expected to export five more airliners to Cuba under a deal signed on Monday.
• The Russian poultry import quota mechanism may be changed this year, with proposals to reduce the quota by 30% and distribute 30% through an auction.
• YUKOS Executive Vice President Vasily Aleksanian has been placed in a punishment cell for 10 days for refusing to undergo a medical examination.
• A Yukos delegation has reached an agreement on a price for the sale of Yukos's interest in the Mazeikiu Nafta oil refining concern.
• Ukraine's DMK has contested the Russian-Ukrainian gas deal in court, seeking to have the agreement annulled.
• Talks between Ukrainian party leaders were described as constructive, with a focus on establishing an effective dialogue between the government and the opposition.
• A draft legal basis for a Customs Union between Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine has been completed, and is expected to be approved this Friday.
• Belarus is to raise oil export duties in May, in accordance with an agreement with Russia.

Statistics:

• $224.56 billion: Gazprom's market capitalization.
• 6: Gazprom's ranking on the list of the world's largest public stock companies.
• $218 billion: Royal Dutch Shell's capitalization.
• 2: The number of months Russia expects to wrap up all bilateral negotiations on WTO accession.
• 10 days: The duration of Vasily Aleksanian's punishment cell stay.
• $200 million: The value of the deal to export five more airliners to Cuba.
• 30%: The proposed reduction in the poultry import quota.
• $129.7: The original export duty for light fuels per tonne.
• $137.9: The new export duty for light fuels per tonne.

Sources:

• Russian delegation official, quoted in The Moscow Times, April 11, 2006.
• Interfax, April 11, 2006.
• Bloomberg, April 11, 2006.
• Gazprom press release, April 10, 2006.
• Russian Securities Commission, April 10, 2006.
• Lithuanian government, quoted in Interfax, April 10, 2006.
• Ukrainian DMK, quoted in Interfax, April 10, 2006.
• Naftogaz, quoted in Interfax, April 10, 2006.
• Russian government, quoted in Interfax, April 3, 2006.
• Belarusian government, quoted in Interfax, April 3, 2006.
• Kazakh court decision, quoted in Interfax, April 3, 2006.