Media Release

20 June 2003

Government’s Breach Of International Law - Kyoto Protocol

New Zealand First spokesperson for trade, Dail Jones said today, that the continuing obsession of the Government with the Kyoto Protocol flies in the face of New Zealand interests and is likely to be in breach of international law.

Mr Jones draws attention to the Kyoto Protocol Thermometer, available at hhtp://unfccc.int/resource/kpthermo if.html which highlights the lack of international progress.

“Any proposal to tax farmers and others prior to full international ratification is yet another example of posturing on the international stage at the expense of our economy,” said Mr Jones.

“The Government should not be taking any action under the Kyoto Protocol until the 55% threshold has been reached. Why New Zealand wants to race Australia, Russia and the United States to the disadvantage of our primary producers is beyond understanding.

“The Government is aware of the 55% requirement and its action in pushing ahead with the Climate Control Bill and the current Kyoto Protocol shows a total disregard for International Treaty Requirements and International Law.

“The remedy may be an injunction to prevent the Government from giving effect to an unrecognised law,” Mr Jones concluded.

ENDS

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