Geneva, Dec 13, SPA -- The World Trade Organization decided Monday to open membership talks with Iraq. The WTO's ruling General Council agreed by consensus toaccept Iraq's application, trade officials said, thusstarting the lengthy negotiations on terms for thecountry's joining the 148-nation organization that sets therules for global commerce. Iraq was granted observer status at WTO in February _ afirst step to gaining membership, giving it the right toattend meetings and hold some talks with WTO membercountries. The General Council also gave Afghanistan a green light tostart membership talks. But for a 16th consecutive time itrefused Iran's application to become an official candidate. Under WTO rules, decisions are taken by consensus, and theUnited States has consistently blocked Iran's efforts tostart talks.--SPA1411 Local Time 1111 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/224573