LOC12:31
09:31 GMT
UNITED NATIONS, July 21 (KUNA) -- Presiding the Arab Group at the United
Nations this month, the State of Kuwait sounded the alarm on the effects of
climate change on the Arab region but considered discussion of this and
related issues beyond the prerogatives of the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Addressing the UNSC upon discussion of ramifications of climate change on
international peace and stability, Kuwait's representative Ambassador Mansour
Ayyad Al-Otaibi stressed the effect of climate change on the region would be
"grave, in view of the fact that this is a region of arid and semi-arid zones.
" Developing nations, he added, are most vulnerable and so are least developed
nations, African nations, and non-coastal developing nations, as well as
island nations.
Al-Otaibi pointed out that climate change considerations could not be
ignored within the overall development triangle; economic development, social
development, and environment protection.
The Arab Group, the diplomat said, considers it vital that all members
encourage sustained development through minding the Rio provisions and
recommendations, and most specifically honor the shared responsibility
principle and obligations in view of the UN conferences in Rio, Johannesburg,
and others.
The group views the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) as the main venue for considering dangers related to climate change.
The ambassador urged developed countries to take expedient measures to honor
their commitments to reduce green house gas emissions according to the Kyoto
Protocol. He also urged developed non-signatories to sign the protocol.
The ambassador also pointed out it is urgent to declare a second commitment
time-frame, as the current commitments to the protocol expire next year.
The Arab Group also called for avoiding all that could counter or render
ineffective institutions, missions, and commitments and conventions related to
climate change issues in any way. The ambassador noted the collaboration ahead
of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change due in December in South Africa is one important effort that
should not be compromised.
Climate Change factors are key to sustainable development and the
responsibility in this regard lies with the General Assembly, the Economic and
Social Council, and the subsidiary bodies of the two platforms, such as the
Commission on Sustainable Development, the UN Environment Program, and the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and many protocols. "The
Security Council," noted the ambassador, "is not party to any of the efforts
along these lines."
The ambassador remarked that while the Security Council is tasked with
keeping international peace and stability, conjunction of duties with those of
other UN and international bodies does not sit harmoniously with the overall
objectives, and even threatens the very rights of UN member states, hinder
performance of UN bodies, and challenge UN bodies' prerogatives.(end)
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