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 Russia to ratify Kyoto, Canada opts for vote.
2002-09-04
Russia has delivered much-needed backing to renewable energy and climate change action by agreeing to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. The nation had been one of the key voices behind the development of the accord in the early stages, but did not ratify before Johannesburg, which many saw as something of a deadline date for committing to the treaty. This was proven to not be the case as Deputy Prime Minister Mukhamed Tsikanov announced at the Summit yesterday that the ratification was imminent. The size of the nation, along with associated satellite states, would virtually ensure that the protocol could be internationally implemented, despite the absence of the United States. Formal ratification from Russia is expected later this year. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister has surprised provincial leaders by announcing that the decision to ratify Kyoto will be put to a parliamentary vote. Several provincial states have vociferously opposed the treaty.
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