Ad-hoc Working Group on further commitments of Annex I parties under the Kyoto Protocol

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MR. LARBI DJACTA, HEAD OF DELEGATION OF ALGERIA, AT THE CLOSING PLENARY OF THE AD-HOC WORKING GROUP ON FURTHER COMMITMENTS OF ANNEX I PARTIES UNDER THE KYOTO PROTOCOL (AWG-KP) OF THE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (Bangkok, Thailand, 5 September 2012)

Madam Chair,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the G77 and China.

2. I congratulate you for the efforts you have made during this session in order to make progress in terms of reinforcement of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, as stipulated by the Decision 1.CMP/7 adopted in Durban.

Madam Chair,

3. The G77 and China is engaged in a constructive discussion with partners. We have examined a number of technical issues, namely, the translation of pledges to QELROs, possible approaches to addressing the challenge of surplus Kyoto units and legal options to avoid gap between the first and the second commitment periods. We hope that more progress is achieved.

Madam Chair,

4. The second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol is a crucial matter for the G77 and China. It must be ambitious in terms of the emission reductions, and begins immediately on January 1, 2013 without delay.

5. We consider the Kyoto Protocol as a central element of our international response to the challenge of climate change. The transition from the 1st to the 2nd commitment period is a key component of the whole balanced package of Durban Outcome. For that, it is essential that we deliver a strong and legally-binding outcome in Doha that ensures no gap between the first and second commitment periods.

6. The G-77 and China believes that Annex I Parties should not seek to benefit from the flexibility mechanisms established under the Kyoto Protocol without taking legally-binding commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.

7. The G77 and China urges Annex I Party to consider seriously, between now and Doha, the very real impact that climate change is having on vulnerable Parties and communities all around the world. In light of these impacts, we urge those few Parties that have still not brought forward QELROs to do so, and we request those Parties that have brought forward QELROs to consider how to greatly improve the ambition of these QELROs by Doha, so that we can move expeditiously to a successful outcome under the AWG-KP.

Madam Chair

8. The Group is fully committed to achieve a success in Doha.

I thank you.