TURKEY RATIFIES CLIMATE CHANGE FRAMEWORK

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