Discussions on a new deal should begin not at Durban this year but after 2015: China
DURBAN: On Monday China scorched all rumours that it had moved away from India’s position on Kyoto Protocol and a new global deal.
Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China and head of Chinese delegation at Durban Xie Zhenhua said, “We accept a legally binding arrangement with five pre-conditions post-2020. As long as principles of common but differentiated responsibility and equity are ensured and individual capability is the basis of a new deal.”
He insisted a second commitment period of Kyoto Protocol starting 2012 was a precondition as well.
He reiterated that discussions on a new deal should begin not at Durban this year but after 2015 when a review of the efficacy of actions under the existing UN convention has been completed.
India had along with BASIC countries made the unconditional continuation of Kyoto Protocol central to Durban talks and demanded that talks for a new deal begin only after the developed countries have fulfilled their existing commitments under Kyoto Protocol.
Some developed countries have attempted to draw out a rift in the BASIC ranks, which negotiators in the developing world suggest are early signs of Europe being isolated yet again at the climate talks with its trenchant position.
While US has asked for equal level of commitments from emerging economies as it undertakes, and Europe wants to junk any talk of accumulated emissions, the BASIC has reiterated that equity and historical emissions should be central to a new deal in future.
Zhenhua said it was important to first see the existing commitments – under Kyoto Protocol and Cancun Agreements – first be fulfilled and the review of the existing UN convention show how well the developed countries had done in meeting their obligations.
African groups and other developing countries also supported the Indian position with the leader of the African group of countries saying Europe was interested in the carbon trade and not in Kyoto Protoco likening it to someone loving mangoes but disliking a mangotree.
