KIEV, April 24 ??“ Ukraine is likely to join the World Trade Organization later this year, Economy Minister Anatoliy Kinakh.

"As for the date, [Ukraine's joining the WTO] will occur in 2007," Kinakh told the press on Tuesday. He said the working group on Ukraine's accession to the WTO has almost completed work.

"It is very important right now to take into account that mutual action between the parliament and the government has such a huge significance in the final phase," he said.