Italian FM: U.S. shows positive on environment

Source: Xinhua | 03-27-2009 09:13

ROME, March 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has taken an important step forward by at least showing a readiness for open dialogue on environmental issues and Europe will put forward its own proposal, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said here on Thursday.

Frattini said Europe will do its part and present the package European countries adopted in December as a model to be discussed with America, China and India.

"If we can reach at the Copenhagen summit by the end of the year some major common ground, we will be able to strike a post-Kyoto accord. Otherwise, Europe alone is not going to be able to change the world‘s climate," he added.

"Europe is responsible for only 20 percent of greenhouse gases, while China, India and America together account for 70 percent," Frattini told reporters on the sidelines of a gathering of top scientists on environmental issues.

"Nevertheless, Europe can and must set a good example and it can do this by remaining united and presenting ambitious, working models, as we have done and continue to do to combat climate change," the foreign minister said.

As rotating president of the Group of Eight this year, Italy hosts a series of G8‘s ministerial meetings to pave the way for a summit in July.

Editor:Shi Taoyang