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26 january 2001
united states calls for climate talks
delay
Friends of the Earth is deeply concerned
following last night's request from the new
US administration for a 2 month delay in the
resumption of international talks on tackling
global climate change.
United Nations talks in The Hague last
November broke up without agreement after the
European Union, the United States and others
failed to resolve differences over how to
tackle the issue. Talks were due to resume in
Bonn, Germany, in May but American officials
have asked for a delay until July so they can
"take a thorough look at US climate
policy".
Earlier reports indicated that the
incoming Bush administration would not have
completed the necessary political
appointments in time for an international
meeting in May.
Friends of the Earth International
campaigner Roger Higman said: "We are deeply
concerned that the US wants to postpone the
resumption of these crucial talks on tackling
climate change. As this week's dire warning
from the UN made clear, urgent action is
desperately needed. With Bush's less than
impressive record on environmental issues,
this delay may simply provide an opportunity
for the President's friends in the oil
industry to strengthen their opposition.
Roger Higman 00 44 207 566 1661 (Work) /
00 44 7780 661807 (Mobile)
Mark Johnston 00 44 973 319 249 (Mobile)
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