US to approve Russia's WTO membership

Washington has cleared the way for Russia to join the World Trade Organisation, ending years of bitter wrangling between the two ex-rivals. Presidents George W Bush and Vladimir Putin are to toast the accord in Moscow next week, marking Russia's arrival as a full member of the global system nearly two decades after the fall of Communism.

Telegraph report. . . here.

This appears to be a positive development for Russia, the US and the world.

The bilateral agreement does not make Russia's membership in the WTO a done deal, but perhaps it will provide an impetus for Russia to resolve lingering differences with neighbors Georgia and Moldova.

Update, Nov. 19: Russia signs key trade deal with U.S.