LONDON, October 8 (RIA Novosti) - The European Union is uneasy over the prospect of Russia's admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) due to the possibility of Russian trade expansion on European markets, Russian Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref said in an interview with Rossia Television's Vesti Nedeli news and analysis show Saturday.
The interview was taped in London where Gref had talks with EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson as part of the Russia-EU summit.
"The extension of the general principles of free trade to Russia means access to new market segments in Europe. We are simply being kept at bay," Gref said.
This also applies to Russian agricultural produce which is "extremely competitive today," he said.
Gref said his meeting with the EU trade commissioner was constructive as the sides made progress on removing some of the impediments to Russia's admission to the WTO, in particular on the abolition of dual licensing for alcohol production and sales. They also discussed protection of intellectual property rights and procedure for European air flights over Siberia.
Peter Mandelson said at the end of the meeting that investment and trade relations between Russia and the EU were constantly improving. The task is to streamline these relations to the maximum degree possible, removing unnecessary barriers, the EU official said.
Full versions of Gref and Mandelson interviews will be aired on Rossia Television Sunday, October 9.
