The
European Commission has welcomed the Russian Government’s recent decision to
back the Kyoto Protocol. President Putin has submitted the proposal to the Duma
(parliament), where it is widely expected to be passed shortly.Once the ratification has been confirmed, Kyoto will finally enter into force.
Various member states, along with the Commission, have urged Russia to join the international climate change treaty in the last two years, owing to apparent indecision on the government’s part.
“This is a huge success for the international fight against climate change,” said President of the Commission, Romano Prodi. “Global climate change is a fight that our generation has to win for the sake of the future of our children and this planet. We have no right to go back on our promises. President Putin has sent a strong signal of his commitment and sense of responsibility.”
© 2004 Greenmedia
Publishing Ltd.