Russia passes final hurdle

The Russian upper house on parliament yesterday passed the bill ratifying Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization, the final legislative step required before President Vladimir Putin signs it into law.
The Federation Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining the world trade body, bringing Russia to the verge of finally joining the organisation after 18 years of often acrimonious negotiations.
The upper house approved the bill with 144 votes in favour and three votes against. The accession will become Russian law 30 days after Putin signs the measure.
Economists have long argued that Russia needed to join the WTO as it was the only major global economy outside the body -- following China's membership in 2001.