Fed: No use in signing Kyoto agreement without USA says Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2001
Fed: No use in signing Kyoto agreement without USA says Howard

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says Australia would risk economic damage if it ratified
the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gases without United States support.

The US recently withdrew from the protocol and Australia has said it won't ratify the
agreement until the US does.

Mr HOWARD says there's no point in a treaty to reduce greenhouse gases if it excludes
developing nations.

He says if it applies only in developed countries the dirty industries will move to
developing countries and the air will still be polluted.

Mr HOWARD says what's needed is a treaty that incudes all nations, which is what the
US is arguing for.

AAP RTV sl/wjf

KEYWORD: KYOTO AUST HOWARD (ADELAIDE)

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