Saudi Arabia may join WTO

HELSINKI – World Trade Organisation (WTO) chief Pascal Lamy said on Saturday Saudi Arabia could be admitted to the Geneva-based group this year, but appeared to rule out Ukraine joining by the end of 2005.

Both countries have said they aim to join the 148-nation world trade body this year. “Saudi Arabia could still join this year if the final rush which is taking place next week, does bring the agreement,” Lamy told an international conference.On Ukraine, which has been pushing for membership by the end of 2005, Lamy said: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk told Reuters this week he was optimistic about completing all bilateral negotiations and legislation in time to join WTO in 2005, although sources close to WTO have said it was unlikely.-Nampa-Reuters”Saudi Arabia could still join this year if the final rush which is taking place next week, does bring the agreement,” Lamy told an international conference.On Ukraine, which has been pushing for membership by the end of 2005, Lamy said: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk told Reuters this week he was optimistic about completing all bilateral negotiations and legislation in time to join WTO in 2005, although sources close to WTO have said it was unlikely.-Nampa-Reuters