The UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico has concluded its first-stage agenda, and released a 33-paged, draft-text outlining options for a possible deal. The Chinese Chief Negotiator says the country will not compromise on issues of principle.

The draft provides two choices regarding the future of the Kyoto Protocol. It's the only legally binding international treaty committing most of the world's developed countries to emissions cuts.

One allows an extension of the Kyoto Protocol and another leaves its future unclear.

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Japan in 1992 by major emitting countries, which committed themselves themselves to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 percent from their 1990 levels by 2012.

After the draft was released, China's Chief Negotiator, Su Wei, said progress has been made, but several stumbling blocks remain. He added that the opposition of some nations to the Kyoto Protocol has exerted negative influence on the conference. Su Wei also stressed that, while give and take are necessary to achieve a balanced package, some key issues of principle shouldn't be compromised.

Su Wei, China's Chief Negotiator, said, "I think we can cooperate with other parties, and even make compromises on some non-principle issues, but we will not compromise on issues of principle, such as the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol, which is the basis for a package of agreements to be made in Cancun."

As for the rumors about a secret Mexican text, Su said that the president of the conference has told delegations from every country including China that Mexico will not put forward a secret text.

Su noted that ministers will arrive in Cancun in the second week of the conference starting from Monday. He hopes they can play an active role in promoting the progress of the conference.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments