March 25, 2002 - 23:01 AMT
ARMENIA WTO ENTRY NEGOTIATIONS MAY FINISH THIS JULY
Negotiations to include Armenia in the World Trade Organization may be finished in June-July 2002. Deputy Minister of Trade and Economic Development of Armenia Tigran Davtian expressed such opinion in the interview to "Arka" agency. In his words, "this is a rather realistic script." Preparation of virtually all the necessary documents will be finished within a month and a half. Davtian reports Armenia negotiates with USA at present "to find compromises on disputable questions." In his words, the basic discussions are being held concerning the possible reform of tax legislation in the agricultural sphere. Besides, there are questions connected with changes in customs legislation, as well as the mechanisms of intellectual property protection. "Armenia is the closest to the membership in WTO among CIS states negotiating on it," - T.Davtian said.