The World Trade Organization decided Monday to open membership talks with Iraq. The WTO's ruling General Council agreed by consensus to accept Iraq's application, trade officials said, thus starting the lengthy negotiations on terms for the country's joining the 148-nation organization that sets the rules for global commerce. Iraq was granted observer status at WTO in February _ a first step to gaining membership, giving it the right to attend meetings and hold some talks with WTO member countries. The General Council also gave Afghanistan a green light to start membership talks. But for a 16th consecutive time it refused Iran's application to become an official candidate. Under WTO rules, decisions are taken by consensus, and the United States has consistently blocked Iran's efforts to start talks.
