Iraq Takes Step Toward WTO

Iraq was formally approved Wednesday as an observer to the World Trade Organization, a first step toward gaining membership.

The WTO’s ruling General Council agreed by consensus to accept the Iraqi application.

Observer status gives the nation the right to attend meetings and hold some talks with WTO members. Observers have no formal say in decisions by the body, which sets rules on international trade, but neither are they bound by them.

Ahmad Mukhtar, director-general of foreign economic relations at Iraq’s Trade Ministry, thanked the 146-member WTO for its approval.

“After decades of isolation, Iraq is beginning to rejoin the international community and your decision today sends a positive signal to the people of Iraq that they are welcomed back and that the world really cares about their welfare,” he said.

Mukhtar said observer status would give the Iraqi government a better understanding of the WTO.

Iraq is temporarily being run by the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority, working with the interim Iraqi Governing Council.

Also Wednesday, Iran’s application to become an official candidate for WTO membership was blocked by the United States for the 15th consecutive time. The United States maintains that Iran is a terrorist state.