Russia Accepted into W.T.O.

As internal unrest rises, a big step forward for Russia in the international arena.

The last of the world’s major economies has been accepted into the World Trade Organization. W.T.O. ministers announced they would welcome Russia as a member on Friday after the country reached bilateral agreements with 57 member states. The move could mean up to a percentage point in annual economic growth for Russia and has the potential to curb some of the corruption in domestic business. Russia’s previous attempts at accession failed following internal opposition, war with Georgia, and an unsuccessful bid to join the W.T.O. together with Kazakhstan and Belarus. While people may not be so happy at home, it seems the country is now assured of more clout in the global economy.