Cambodian gov't seeks parliament ratification on Paris climate accord

The Cambodian government on Friday sought ratification from the National Assembly on the Paris agreement on climate change, according to a statement.

The Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, decided on Friday to send the agreement to the National Assembly for approval, the statement said.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said on Sept. 21 that Cambodia declared the ratification of the Paris agreement the top priority and has taken legal steps to become a state party to this important treaty.

"The Kingdom of Cambodia is firmly committed to ratifying the Paris agreement by the end of this year 2016," he said in a video clip posted online.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared on Sept. 21 that more than 55 countries have formally joined the Paris Agreement on climate change signed by world leaders this past April, according to a UN press release.

Adopted in Paris by the 195 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at a conference known as COP21 this past December, the Agreement calls on countries to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low-carbon future, and to adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change. Enditem