China expects Durban talks to focus on extension of Kyoto Protocol
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Xinhua, November 25, 2011
China on Friday called for the upcoming global climate talks to focus on the follow-up to the Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period, funding and technology.
"With the Durban conference days away, the top priority is to make progress on important issues such as the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, funding and technical support," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said at a daily press briefing.
The Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 to 2012.
The Durban conference, which will start on Nov. 28 in South Africa, will bring together delegates from nearly 200 governments to negotiate further actions to address climate change.
Liu called on all countries to show more sincerity, enhance mutual understanding and boost cooperation so as to seek comprehensive and balanced results from the Durban conference.
Calling the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol the universal international treaties, Liu said the principles and frameworks enshrined in the two are widely recognized by the international community and should be observed by all signatories.
Developed countries and developing countries are faced with different emissions trend and carbon-reduction situations, as they assume different historic responsibilities and remain at different development stages, Liu said. "Thus," he explained, "when it comes to tackling climate change, countries should follow the principles of 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' 'fairness' and 'individual capabilities.'"
The spokesman said China's actions in reducing carbon emissions and its effects are "second to no developed countries."
China will adhere to the low-carbon development path and make contribution to global efforts to tackling climate change, Liu said.
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