Statement by Mr. Ichita Yamamoto
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Japan

November 2, 1999

Your Excellency President Szyszko, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Almost two years ago, in December 1997, we gathered at Kyoto and adopted the Protocol, the first ever multilateral agreement to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with specific target figures and timetable. Today, two years later, we are standing at a crossroads. Ahead of us are two roads; one road leading to the early entry into force of the Protocol, the other, mired down by differences and disagreements among Parties.

Which road we will be taking depends upon the willingness of us, political leaders of each Party. We must adhere to the "Buenos Aires Plan of Action," by which we committed ourselves to taking decisions on major issues at COP6, and if we are to achieve this goal, we must accelerate the pace of our negotiations.

Mr. President,

What are the major issues to be tackled then?
First, the Kyoto Mechanisms. I sincerely hope that negotiation texts will be produced, which will be eventually adopted by COP6.
Second, comes compliance.
Third, broader participation of Parties. All Parties must join hands in the combat against global warming. In this context, Japan welcomes Argentina's announcement to take on voluntary commitments. Japan also welcomes Kazakhstan's proposal to add its name to the Annex I list of the Convention.
The above being in no way exhaustive, how shall we make progress on these fronts? I strongly believe the necessity for inter-sessional meetings between COP5 and COP6 for negotiators as well as technical experts.

Mr. President,

On its domestic front, Japan has taken a broad range of measures including the enactment of the Climate Change Law and the amendment of the Energy Efficiency Law to introduce stricter energy efficiency standards. In addition, industry has developed voluntary action plans to address climate change. Carbon dioxide emissions from energy use have dropped by 3.5% in 1998 from the previous year. Greenhouse gas emissions in Japan have clearly changed from a pattern of gradual increase to gradual decrease.
Externally, Japan promotes international cooperation with developing countries, including its cooperation under the "Kyoto Initiative," through which Japan assists those countries in mitigating climate change and adapting themselves to it.

Mr. President,

The Kyoto Protocol stipulates that "Each Party should have made demonstrable progress in achieving its commitments by 2005." In view of this, the Government of Japan believes it vital that the Protocol be brought into force in 2002 at the latest. In order to realise this, it is indispensable to decide on the details of the Protocol, among others, the Kyoto Mechanisms and compliance, to make the Protocol ratifiable.

There is a Japanese proverb which goes: "Rainfall consolidates the ground." Heated debate or a torrent of arguments at COP5, I am convinced, will eventually lead to unwavering commitments of Parties. The Kyoto Protocol is a gift of flower seeds for our children. It is our duty to help them grow up, take root and bloom. Let us all join hands and work together for the early entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.

Thank you.