Fed: Ambassador to US to work on world greenhouse agreement

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2001
Fed: Ambassador to US to work on world greenhouse agreement

The federal government says Australian ambassador to the United States, MICHAEL THAWLEY,
will reinforce to the BUSH administration national concerns about the Kyoto Protocol.

Industry Minister NICK MINCHIN agrees with Environment Minister ROBERT HILL that the
Kyoto Protocol on climate change is unlikely to be ratified without the support of the
US.

But he says the Australian government is firm in its stance on curbing greenhouse gas
emissions and will continue talks with the US to resolve the world stalemate.

Last week US President GEORGE BUSH indicated he would not ratify the protocol as it stood.

Some key concerns to Australia are the engagement of developing countries in the protocol
and the role of so-called sinks -- the planting of trees to offset carbon emissions.

Senator MINCHIN made the comments after announcing $1 million in federal funding for
five world programs to cut emissions in developing countries.

AAP RTV lm/daw/wz/jn

KEYWORD: US KYOTO AUST (CANBERRA)

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