Japan against simply extending Kyoto pact, eyes broader framework+

TOKYO, Oct. 18 Kyodo -
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Monday he is opposed to ''simply extending the
Kyoto Protocol,'' the current international treaty aimed at curbing global
warming, and wants to see as its successor a broader framework that includes
all major countries in addressing climate change.
Kan said at a House of Councillors Audit Committee session, ''Our country's
position remains unchanged in seeking the immediate adoption of an
encompassing, legally binding document that will create an effective global
framework in which all countries will participate.''
His remarks come as countries such as China are calling for a provisional
extension of the Kyoto pact in the event a new agreement to replace it after
its 2012 expiration is not created in time.
The European Union recently agreed to support the proposed extension of the
Kyoto Protocol on condition that key carbon dioxide-emitting countries such as
China and the United States would be obligated to cut down on their greenhouse
gas emissions.
China is not required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto pact,
which obligates only developed countries to slash emissions, and the United
States has withdrawn from the framework.
Members of the international community have been trying to come up with a
post-Kyoto pact, but progress has yet to be seen before the next round of the
U.N. climate conference, scheduled to take place in Mexico from November.
The previous U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen in December last year failed to
adopt the Copenhagen Accord and ended up merely taking note of the nonbinding
political agreement.
==Kyodo
2010-10-18 23:39:01