Russia again suggested to insert amendment in the text of Framework Convention of UN on climate change stressing that these amendments will provide opportunity to reconsider the status and obligation of states—participants of convention and claims that without such mechanism this convention is not effective.

The leader of Russian delegation Oleg Shamanov seconded this proposal in his speech on Wednesday in plenary session of the conference of parties of convention in Durban (SAR).

Russia sent to secretariat of UNFCCC an official proposal to insert amendments in the text of the convention, according which appendixes #1 and #2 (lists of countries which determine what kinds of obligations bears this or that country)must be periodically reconsidered " in the light of… current social-economical development of parties of convention ".
Shamanov making speech in the session, underlined that social and economic situation of countries, listed in both appendixes completely changed since they were formulated.

The staff of countries listed in appendix #1 which must accept the obligation on reduction of emission of greenhouse gases was formulated in 1992. At the same time emissions volume of the countries without obligation exceeds the volume that of developed countries: today the status of some developing countries, framed in convention already doesn’t completely correspond the level of their economy.

The Convention provides the opportunity of inserting amendments into the convention itself and also in its appendixes. Taking into consideration the changes which happened from the date of the adoption of convention, in 1992, and which is going on to happen now in the field of economy and technological development. Russian Federation considers it to be important to clearly specify the need for periodical reconsideration of appendixes #1 and #2 in the light of the most contemporary information, which objectively reflects social and economic situation of states of convention”, remarked Shamanov.
This amendment “will promote the most adequate and fair distribution of burden of obligation between states of convention for achievement of its aims in the most effective ways” concluded the representative of RF.

The representatives of Byelorussia, the Ukraine and Kazakhstan, who made speech after Russian representative supported his proposal and suggested to the participants of the conference to disapprove the amendment.
The representatives of the USA and EU made speech in favor of Russian side and claimed that the suggestion of Russia should be considered in that session.

"This is very interesting suggestion. From our point of view the suggestion must be discussed in this conference. We fully support the idea of evolution in the frame of the convention”, said the representative the USA.
According to the representative of EU the principle of “general, but differentiated obligations” must be dynamic; it was never considered as set principle.

"ЕС is open for discussion of the suggestion of Russia in wide context of negotiations ", -he said.
Framework Convention of UN on climate change, which came into force in 1992, is followed by two appendixes. States-participants of the convention which have highly developed economy or transitional economy (e.g, Russia) are listed in appendix #1.Appendix #2 includes only developing countries.

According to principle “general but differentiated obligations”, states, included in definite appendix and ones, not included in the appendix bear different obligations. The states of the appendix #1 have to strain every possible effort for reduction of emission of greenhouse gases and softening the consequences of climate change. That states, which are included in the appendix #2 have to provide financial and technical assistance to states which are not in the appendixes in order to support their effort for reduction of emissions.
Russia suggests inserting amendments in the article #4, which provides regular consideration of lists.
Source: RIA Novosti