The decision to accept Armenia to the World Trade Organization, approved by the WTO General Council in December 2002, came into force this week, the Armenian trade and economy ministry told Interfax. Armenia does not have any commitments to bring its legislation in line with WTO regulations and it completely meets international standards, the ministry said. The Armenian government negotiated the temporary preservation of government subsidies for agriculture. Until 2005 annual subsidies can be no more than 10% of gross agricultural production and until 2009 they can be no more than 5%. VAT is to be restored on local agricultural production in 2009. Armenia held negotiations on WTO membership for 10 years. (Interfax)