4 December 2003 – Saying that Russia has been sending conflicting signals on its intentions with regard to the Kyoto Protocol, Foreign Affairs Secretary expressed the hope that Russia will eventually decide in favor of ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.

 “We are closely monitoring developments relating to the Kyoto Protocol as we give the highest importance to this agreement.  Russia’s participation in the Protocol is indispensable and it is our hope that in spite of the conflicting signals on its intentions, Russia will eventual join this important environmental agreement,” Secretary Ople said.  The Philippines actively participated in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol and recently ratified the agreement.

On Wednesday, a senior Russian official contradicted the position last  Tuesday of a top Kremlin aide and indicated that Russia is moving toward the ratification of the international treaty on reducing greenhouse gasses. Deputy Economy Minister Mukhamed Tsikhanov said Wednesday in Moscow that the Russian government will submit the Kyoto Protocol to Parliament for approval next year.

“We welcome the latest statement coming out of Moscow as it gives all of us some hope that Russia will become a party to the agreement,” Secretary Ople said. “We need Russia on board for the Kyoto Protocol to go into effect, because the agreement requires approval from countries responsible for 55 percent of the world's emissions. Russia accounts for about 17 percent,” the Secretary added.

So far, 120 countries have ratified the protocol. The United States pulled out of the agreement in 2001, saying it would harm the U.S. economy. The Kyoto Protocol requires major industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to below 1990 levels.

“We note that a number of industrial countries are also closely watching Russia’s decision.  We regret that some industrial countries continue to refuse to join the agreement while some have expressed second thoughts,” Secretary Ople added.  The Secretary also noted that ministers and experts from around the world are currently in Milan to discuss climate change in a meeting organized by the United Nations and that “it is my hope that ways will be found to encourage all states to become a party to the Kyoto Protocol,” END.