BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- As the first Afghan democratically elected President was swore in on Tuesday, the long war-torn country also submitted an application for membership to the World Trade Organization.

Afghanistan submitted an application for membership to the World Trade Organization. 148 members are to vote on the application next week, along with Iraq and Iran.

    148 members are to vote on the application next week, along with Iraq and Iran.

    U.S. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli says the U.S. is backing bids by Afghanistan and Iraq to join the global trade body.

    "United States supports the application of Afghanistan and Iraq of the membership of the World Trade Organization, and we believe there are broad supports within the organization for these applications."

    But he indicates his country will continue to say no to Iran's intension to join the WTO, because of the nuclear disputes.
"There is not the same consensus in the question of Iran's accession. There has been historical lack of consensus on Iran's application for the membership. That application will not succeed unless there is consensus." Enditem

(CRIENGLISH.com)