September 06, 2006	Wednesday	Sha'aban 12, 1427

MOSCOW, Sept 5: Russia, the only major world economy not in the World Trade Organisation, said on Tuesday its negotiations with the United States on joining the body were deadlocked and threatened to pull out of the talks.

“We have reached the limit, the absolute limit in our positions, and we cannot make concessions in any area,” said Igor Shuvalov, a senior advisor to President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s main envoy to the G8 club of rich nations.

For domestic political reasons Russia cannot give any more ground in its talks with the United States, he said.

“The government may conclude that this cycle should be started anew or suspended,” Shuvalov told reporters.—AFP