Kyoto protocol troika disappointed after Washington talks
The European Union 'troika', represented by Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström, Swedish environment minister Kjell Larsson and Marc Pallemaerts from the Belgian State secretary's office for energy and sustainable development, expressed concern and disappointment over the US administration's withdrawal from the Kyoto protocol following talks in Washington on 3 April. The troika underlined that the Kyoto protocol remains the framework for international efforts to combat climate change and that the EU remains committed to its ratification by 2002. According to Commission reports, the representatives warned of the threats posed by climate change, which they believe is already underway. They also said that one country cannot 'declare dead an international process that deals with a major global issue.' 'In all countries, climate change will be on top of the political agenda for a long time to come. By choosing not to be part of the process the United States will miss this opportunity. It will not only lose influence over the process, it will not be able to participate in international emissions trading,' commented Commissioner Wallström. 'Combating climate change is not only about cost; it provides an opportunity for new technology and for modernising our economies. We also know that companies on both sides of the Atlantic want certainty about the rules.' On 6 April, the troika continues visits to Russia, Iran, China and Japan to meet with some of the major stakeholders in the Kyoto process. Iran is the chair of the G77 group of the developing countries and Japan is a member of the Umbrella group. The troika will discuss the US position and how the negotiations should go forward. The group aims to determine the state of play and find allies in the fight against global warning, according to the Commission. The EU still hopes the US will re-join the Kyoto protocol, but will go forward without the US if necessary.