Biden: Russia's WTO entry linked to human rights

[March 10, 2011]  MOSCOW (AP) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has told a group of Russian human rights activists, journalists and religious leaders that Russia's accession to the World Trade Organzation could hinge on its commitment to protect human rights.

The Obama administration regards fully integrating Russia into the world economy as key to its development and stability, placing less emphasis on worries about Russian rule of law and democratic backsliding. But Biden's comments Thursday to the mainly anti-Kremlin activists suggest the issue remains a concern in Washington. Biden later met Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to discuss WTO entry and visa issues. He is to cap his two-day trip by delivering a speech on U.S.-Russian relations. [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.