Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales Euro MP Jill Evans has welcomed the European Parliament's overwhelming decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change in Strasbourg today (Wednesday, 6th February).

After the vote, which saw only four out of over six hundred MEPs vote against the ratification, Jill Evans MEP, who is a member of the Parliament’s Environment Committee, said:

"I am delighted by today's outcome, which shows the determination of the European Parliament to kick start real international action to fight global warming. We now hope that other countries such as Japan, Russia, Canada and Australia will follow suit to ensure that the Kyoto Protocol comes into force at the Johannesburg Earth Summit at the end of August."

"I was shocked by the US Ambassador to Canada's recent statements, urging Canada not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, especially in view of the US' promise last year not to hamper the talks. The US government should remember that a real majority of US citizens want concrete action on climate change, and we call on the US to join the Kyoto Protocol as soon as possible."

Both the European Union and its Member States are required to ratify the Kyoto protocol, as both are responsible for its implementation. Member States will start their national ratification process after approval by an Environmental Council (on 4th of March 2002). France, Denmark, Luxembourg and Portugal have already received the assent of their respective national parliaments to proceed. With Japan, Russia and Canada onboard, it is probable that the 55 countries needed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol (and that 55% of the greenhouse gas emissions commitment) will be reached before the end of August, so that it can finally enter into force at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg.

Jill Evans MEP is the leader of Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales in the European Parliament and she will be attending the Johannesburg Earth Summit later this year.

Diwedd/Ends.