Negotiators aiming to speed up Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization overcame objections from Georgia during talks in Geneva on Monday, after Tbilisi threatened to block negotiations because of Moscow's decision to boost support for Georgia's separatist republics.

Georgia's tough stance at the talks showed that Russia still faces an uphill battle in its 15-year drive to join the world trade body. After reaching a bilateral deal with the United Arab Emirates last week, Russia only needs agreements with Georgia and Saudi Arabia, as well as approval from the multilateral talks in Geneva, to join the WTO.
The WTO took a "great step forward" in its membership talks with Russia in Geneva, said Stefan Haukur Johannesson, chairman of the negotiations and Iceland's ambassador to the EU, news agencies reported.