Brussels, 13/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has granted Iraq observer status. The decision - reached by consensus - was taken by the representatives of the 146 in Geneva in the context of the General Council this week (see EUROPE of 12 February). "It's done. They have agreed", Keith Rockwell, press spokesman for the institution, announced on Wednesday. Ahmad al-Mukhtar, the Iraqi official who took part in the session, welcomed this "important step toward Iraq's integration in the world economy", hoping that the WTO accession process start up "as soon as possible". "It is a good day for Iraq and I have great pleasure in coming here to thank you on the part of the Iraqi government and people for having accepted our request for observer status at the WTO", he said. The deputy assistant of the US Trade Representative, Peter Allgeier, felt that participation in the WTO will stimulate economic reform in the country by making it "turn to the kind of disciplines and transparency that we have at the WTO".
The same day, the General Council examined the request for observer status presented by Iran, with Union support. However, reflection on this matter is still going on, Canadian Ambassador Sergio Marchi said.