Re: Russian Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol

To: EU Heads of State/Government

Re: Russian Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol

Dear Honorable Head of Government,

As you know, the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol is of the utmost priority to our organisations and your governments. We therefore write to you today with grave concern over the status of the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the Russian Federation. We fear that the extraordinary leadership shown by European Union governments will all have been for naught unless the EU and its partners act quickly and decisively in this matter.

Recent work in Russia with government officials and Duma members by both of the signatory organisations has brought to light that a number of steps have yet to be put into place before the Protocol can be ratified. Timing is critical, in that if ratification is not considered and endorsed by the Spring session of the Duma, then it will likely be put off by at least one year, due to upcoming Duma elections this autumn, and Presidential elections in March 2004. We fear that without further external pressure the process will be further delayed, slowing down progress on mitigating climate change.

We therefore urge you to take swift and decisive action in this matter. Specifically, we request that you send urgent letters by all Heads of State and Government to President Putin, of a similar character to that of Chancellor Schröder, urging ratification this Spring. We would suggest that these letters indicate interest and willingness to assist in the implementation of the Protocol through joint implementation and inventory projects and state that the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will give Russia additional advantages in the development of gas exports to European markets.

Once again, Greenpeace and WWF appreciate very much the leadership of the European Union in these matters to date, and advocate that you take these significant political steps to bring the process through to the last step in ensuring the ratification and entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. We would expect no less from the European Union. For our part, we will be doing all that we can in the field of public opinion, the press and lobbying officials, but your intervention is critical.

Thank you for your support on this vital matter.

Sincerely,

Claude Martin Gerd Leipold

Director General Executive Director

WWF International Greenpeace International