Cablegate: Turkey Ratifies Climate Change Framework

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

101447Z Dec 03

UNCLAS ANKARA 007588

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/SE, EUR/PGI, OES/PCI, OES/EGC
STATE PLEASE PASS EPA (HHUYNH)

E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV TBIO TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY RATIFIES CLIMATE CHANGE FRAMEWORK
CONVENTION

1. Turkey's parliament, the Grand National Assembly,
ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCC). Turkey had delayed ratification, because it
objected to being included in Annex II of developed
countries, which would have obligated Turkey to provide
funds for developing countries. The law to ratify the
Convention was published in the Official Gazette on
10/21/03.

2. According to the report of the Parliament's Environment
Commission, Parliament decided to ratify the UNFCCC,
thinking that the Convention would have some bearing on
Turkey's future membership in the EU and that ratification
would prevent possible international trade restrictions. One
member stated that ratification would provide significant
investments to reduce green house gases and would improve
Turkey's image in the international arena.

3. As an OECD member, Turkey agreed to be included as an
Annex I (developed) country; however, the GOT objected to
Turkey's inclusion in Annex II, which obligated the richest
countries to provide financial assistance to the developed
countries. In 2001, the seventh meeting of the Conference
of Parties to UNFCCC (COP 7) agreed to withdraw Turkey from
Annex II and endorsed a footnote that Turkey should enjoy
favorable conditions within "common but differentiated
responsibilities."

4. Deputy Undersecretary Mustafa Ozturk of the Ministry of
Environment and Forestry will represent Turkey at UNFCCC COP
9, December 10.
EDELMAN

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