OECD Invites Russia To Begin Membership Talks

(RFE/RL) May 16, 2007 -- The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has invited Russia to begin membership negotiations.

Constance Morella, the U.S. ambassador to the OECD, said the organization would draw up guidelines Russia would need to meet for membership.

Morella said the guidelines would include recognition that Russia has a long way to go before it meets the OECD's membership criteria.

The 30-member OECD seeks to promote democracy and free markets.

(Reuters, AFP, Interfax)