China hopes Durban Platform upholds core principles of UNFCCC

Source:Xinhua Published: 2012-12-6 11:14:25

China hopes that negotiations on Durban Platform can uphold the core principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), head of the Chinese delegation to Doha climate talks, Xie Zhenhua said on Wednesday.

"We hope that decisions coming out of the Durban Platform negotiation track can respect the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities," said Xie, also the deputy director of China's National Development and Reform Commission.

The platform, initiated in Durban, South Africa in 2011, is tasked with designing a legal instrument applicable for all parties to the UNFCCC by 2015 regarding post-2020 climate actions.

According to Xie, so far, negotiations on this track focused on its working plan towards 2015, especially the work plan for 2013. "The job in Doha is to lay the ground and create favorable conditions for the platform to enter substantive talks... The work on this track is going well, and we expect a balanced outcome," Xie said.

While understanding all parties have their own positions, He urged all parties to act in a flexible and open way so as to narrow their divergence and achieve balanced results.

Xie's concern on talks on the Durban Platform was shared by officials and environmentalists from other developing countries here in Doha.

R. R. Rashmi, India's chief negotiator in Doha, said after the set-up of the Durban Platform, "I heard that equity is suddenly irrelevant... But the platform's spirit is clear, all its decisions are under the Convention."

He said one important aspect of equity is "national circumstances," which need to be taken into account when the parties develop a universal climate tool.

The Doha climate talks entered the second day of its high-level segment and are expected to conclude on Friday with accords ensuring progress on climate mitigation, adaptation and finance.



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