The World Trade Organization (WTO) has put off until
July a decision on whether to launch entry negotiations with Iran, following a US announcement that it was still reviewing its position, reported the official Iranian news agency IRNA on Wednesday.
The decision was taken by the WTO's ruling General Council, composed of its 140 member states, which considered Iran's application of September 1996 for the first time at a formal session, WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell was quoted as saying.
US Ambassador to the WTO Rita Hayes told the ruling general council that her delegation could not currently support the move and was reviewing its position on the matter, Rockwell said, cited by the agency.
The WTO currently has 140 members, which will rise to 141 when Lithuania joins on May 31.
One candidate country - Moldova - will be approved for membership next week, while 28 others, including China and Russia, are still holding negotiations – Albawaba.com
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