Bush said Saturday he was unwilling to grant Russia favorable conditions for its entry into the World Trade Organization despite Moscow's demands for quick membership.

Speaking together with Russian President Vladimir Putin before a crowd of university students, Bush said he supported Russia's bid to enter the free trade group.

But he insisted that Russia still had to prove that its economy was liberalized enough and tariff policies fair before it was finally accepted.

"I think that accession to the WTO ought be based on the rules that every other nation had to deal with," Bush told students at Putin's alma mater, Saint Petersburg State University.

"Nothing harsher, nothing less harsh," Bush said.

"And I told Vladimir in private and I told the American people, I am for Russia going into the WTO," he said.

"I vote 'aye' assuming that the Russian government continues to reform the economy." However, Putin defended Russia's economic standing, accusing Western nations of setting unfair trade barriers against Russian goods and making up tough standards for his country's membership.

"What we need, above all, for Russia is absolutely non-discriminatory access to world markets and U.S. markets," said Putin as the two leaders again came at odds over one the main disputes remaining in U.S.-Russia relations.

"We don't want any preferences, or special privileges, we want absolutely normal fair trade relations," Putin said.

And noting that Bush had said he supports Russian membership, Putin added: "If that all that it takes, I am also in -- but on conditions that are suitable for Russia." Russia, which has been seeking admission to the trade organization since 1993, continues to face opposition from some WTO member states over its determination to maintain agricultural subsidies, AFP reported.

Some sections of the Russian business community fear that early entry could expose them to rigorous international competition, and while championing a WTO drive, Putin has had to take these concerns into account.

Auto, aerospace, banking, insurance and telecommunications companies have also expressed concern that hasty liberalization could hand domestic markets to foreign rivals.