Statement by Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Signing of the Bill to Ratify the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by the President of the Russian Federation

November 5, 2004
Japanese

Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, issued today the following statement on the signing of the bill to ratify the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by the President of the Russian Federation.

The Government of Japan welcomes the signing of the bill to ratify the Kyoto Protocol by the President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation on 4 November, as a significant progress toward the entry into force of the Protocol.
Japan has been approaching Russia on this issue on many occasions at various levels, including Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's request to President Vladimir Putin to ratify the Protocol without delay.
As the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol becomes certain with this signing, Japan will continue to make efforts to securely fulfill its commitment to reduce greenhouse gases stipulated in the Protocol.
Furthermore, Japan recognizes that in order to ensure the effectiveness of actions against global warming in the middle and longer term, it is vitally important to have all countries participate in the effort to reduce greenhouse gases. The Government of Japan will work with other countries to establish a set of common rules, in which all countries including the United States and developing countries will participate.

(Note) Ratification process in Russia

(1)	The Russian Government decided to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on 30 September. The ratification bill was approved in the State Duma on 22 October, and in the Council of Federation on 27 October.
(2)	After the President 's signing, the instrument of ratification will be deposited to the United Nation Secretary General. The Kyoto Protocol will enter into force 90 days after the depository.

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