MOSCOW, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - The introduction of new auto emission standards in Russia will promote automobile tourism and open European roads for Russian car manufacturers, a deputy foreign minister said Thursday.
While commenting on a relevant government resolution, Alexander Yakovenko said it would speed up Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, boost cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and raise the country's authority in Europe.
The Euro 2 emission standard will come into force since new regulations take effect, the Euro 3 standard - from 2008, Euro 4 - from 2010, and Euro 5 - from 2014.
Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko said the new auto emission standards would be applied to all vehicles and market participants, but would not be mandatory for vehicles already in use.
