Russia signs EU trade deal, agrees to ratify Kyoto

THE EU Russia summit is being regarded as a major success thanks to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement and a commitment by Russian President Vladimir Putin to swiftly ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, representing the EU in the Kremlin, said it opened up a new phase in the relationship between the EU and its largest neighbour, Russia.

It was the first summit since eight of Russia's former satellite states joined the EU three weeks ago, a move that created trade and relationship problems and was a very sensitive issue for Russia.