How the US Obstructs the World Trade Organisation | DW News

The World Trade Organization is facing its biggest crisis since it was founded a quarter century ago. WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo had hoped to resolve an impasse in the trade body. But instead, the organization can no longer deliver rulings on trade disputes, because Washington has blocked the appointment of new judges to its appelate panel. Critics fear world trade is now facing "the law of the jungle."

Russia Mocks West’s Displeasure over War in Georgia

THE INDEPENDENT: The Kremlin has poured scorn on Western attempts to punish Russia for its invasion of Georgia, saying it was more than happy to be estranged from the international community.

The Kremlin on Monday said it was more than happy to be locked out of international institutions as it poured scorn on Western attempts to punish Russia over its invasion of Georgia.

Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, said he was not bothered if more than a decade of post Cold War rapprochement with Nato was halted altogether. "We are ready to accept any decisions up to halting relations altogether," he said. The president also issued a chilly warning to Moldova of a military response if it followed the Georgian example of trying to regain control of its own breakaway region of Transdniester, whose rebel leadership has long been backed by Russia.

The hard line approach was adopted by Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, who said he saw no merit in joining the World Trade Organization even though Russia has had an outstanding membership application since 1995. "We don't feel or see any advantages from membership, if they exist at all," he said.

While he did not formally abandon accession negotiations, Mr Putin announced that Russia was pulling out of commitments it had earlier signed that were seen as pre-requisites for membership. Russia Mocks West’s Displeasure over War in Georgia >>> By Adrian Blomfield in Gori and Bruno Waterfield in Brussels | August 25, 2008

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