Chinese Negotiator Insists on 2nd Kyoto Protocol Commitment, Climate Fund

The main task of the Durban climate change conference remains to be the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol and the Green Climate Fund, the Chinese negotiator reiterated here on Friday.

"Our position is very clear, the second commitment period and the Green Climate Fund should be honored, " said Xie Zhenhua, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, who is heading the Chinese delegation at the UN Climate Conference in Durban, South Africa.

Xie said, "In this context we hold a flexible, and open attitude to discuss a process for post-2020 arrangements acceptable to all parties."

The Chinese official holds difference from the European Union's proposal of a roadmap for a legally binding post-2020 emission cuts framework, saying it violates common but differentiated responsibility and fairness.

"Even the emission reduction arrangements after year 2020 must also reflect the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, as well as ensure environmental integrity, " he said.

The EU has linked its emission cutting pledges in the second commitment period with its demand of a roadmap for a "legally binding framework covering all major economies" after the year 2020, insisting that the framework must be nailed down in 2015.

Connie Hedegaard, the EU commissioner responsible for climate change, told a press briefing Friday morning that the idea had won support of most developing countries, even some "BASIC" countries, which groups Brasil, India, South Africa and China.

In response, Xie said, "The BASIC members keep united, and have showed great flexibility."

"Attending the conference with open and constructive spirit, we expect positive outcomes responsible both to our own countries and to the world, "he said. "As long as Durban conference meets most fundamental requirements of the developing countries, it will be a success." The climate conference opened on Nov. 28 is facing the last day on its agenda after gruelling negotiations. Ticking clock forced the delegations to work from Thursday to 4:00 a.m. on Friday, holding intensive closed-door talks.