Halonen says her doubts are based on the fact that resolving the tariff dispute hinges on Russia's membership to the World Trade Organisation.
However she says that Russian membership is not only in the hands of the EU and Russia. The US Congress as well must offer its support for Russia to join. However Congress is currently cutting back on its sessions in order to prepare for the upcoming US presidential elections in November. Halonen says she thinks Russia's membership in the WTO will be dealt with by the next Congress.
Halonen: Keep Timber on the Agenda The President says she doesn't doubt Russia will gain a spot in the WTO. Instead, she says it's a matter of when and how. Still, Halonen says she thinks the issue should remain on the forefront during talks with Russia. Last Wednesday, Halonen discussed the matter at length with Governor of St. Petersburg Valentina Matvienko when they met at the Savonlinna Opera Festival. She also says it was a positive sign when Russian President Dmitri Medvedev urged Halonen to discuss the matter with Russian Economic Development Minister Elvira Nabiullina at a time when talks had frozen. Russia plans to increase export duties on timber to 50 euros per cubic metre by 2009. Finland says it will cripple its industry. YLE, Turun Sanomat
