Speaking after a meeting of the Russian and US leaders at a G8 summit, he said: “It was unambiguously said that the US leadership supports Russia’s entry into the WTO and is in favor of a rapid conclusion to this process.” At the same time, Mr. Prikhodko said Washington insisted that some other issues, including the protection of intellectual property rights, be solved first.

According to the presidential aide, Mr. Putin informed George Bush on the situation on intellectual property rights in Russia, Reuters reports.

In late May, Russia and the European Union signed a protocol on the completion of talks on Russia’s WTO entry. The protocol lays down obligations on cutting import tariffs and providing access to Russia’s markets of banking, insurance and telecommunications services.

About ten countries had formally supported Russia in its bid for WTO membership, but their number increased threefold after the Russia-EU protocol was signed. According to the Russian President, the signing of the protocol was a “long-awaited and balanced agreement”. “The WTO is a key aspect of our cooperation with the European Union. The document is a compromise, and it will have a positive impact on Russia’s WTO talks with the United States, China and other countries,” he added.