Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. I would like to express you, Mr. Chairman, our full support and collaboration and our deep appreciation for your able guidance. The Group of 77 and China is committed to help move this process forward in a constructive and proactive manner.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group of 77 and China reiterates that the adoption of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol in time to ensure there is no gap between its first and second commitment periods is the overriding priority for our Group. The ability of this Ad hoc Working Group to deliver a second commitment period will be a key element for a successful outcome in Durban, and we would like to continue engaging constructively along these lines.

4. The Group of 77 and China has emphasized the need to continue political discussions to ensure an environment of trust and a sense of common purpose among Parties that would allow us to reach agreement. The political debate we have had so far has been useful to clarify the countries' positions on certain complex issues. The Group welcomes the progress made here in Bonn on technical streamlining. This has allowed a more focused negotiating text. However, we still need more work to reach a common understanding on technical issues, and more balance with the political debate.

5. Mr Chairman, the G77 and China believes that the Kyoto Protocol is the cornerstone of the multilateral climate change regime. There is a need to preserve the Kyoto Protocol and its stringent rules for monitoring, reporting and verification, its flexibility mechanisms, as well as its compliance system. The Kyoto Protocol is the only legally binding instrument to tackle emission reductions in an effective way.

6 We reiterate that the Group is still extremely concerned on the fact that the AWG-KP was unable to advance in increasing the level of ambition of current Annex I Parties's pledges.

7. Noting that the largest share of historical global emissions of greenhouse gases has originated in developed countries, the G-77 and China expects Annex I Parties to show leadership in modifying the longer-term trends in anthropogenic emissions, and bridge the gap between the ambition of the current pledges and the requirements of science.

8. I would like to stress that the AWG-KP must fulfill the mandate stemming from art. 3.9. This is not only a political imperative but also a legal obligation that must be met. Furthermore, the Group reiterates its serious concern with respect to the slow progress in completing the milestones of the AWG-KP work programme.

Mr. Chairman,

9. I would like to conclude by reiterating that the Group will continue to support you and is committed to constructive, party-driven and transparent negotiations in future sessions in order to ensure that a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol is reached as part of a balanced and comprehensive outcome in Durban.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.