Another Step Towards Integration

Iraq's interim administration was granted observer status in the World Trade Organisation yesterday, the first step on the lengthy road to full membership.

A consensus ruling of the WTO general council agreed to accept Iraq's application. "This is an important step for Iraq towards integration in the global economy," Ahmad al-Mukhtar, a senior Iraqi trade official, told the council.

Observation status means Iraq has the right to attend WTO meetings but cannot take part in decision-making. Under WTO rules Iraq has up to five years to begin entry negotiations, which typically take five to 10 years to complete.