-Caveat Lector- http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/environment/story.jsp?story=66975 US refusal to sign Kyoto deal 'not on the agenda' for Prescott's visit By Marie Woolf, Chief Political Correspondent 17 April 2001 John Prescott's role in restarting the stalled climate change talks was called into question yesterday after the Government insisted that global warming would not be on the agenda during his visit to the United States. In an apparent contradiction to Mr Prescott's claim at the weekend that he was flying to New York to try to persuade the Americans of the importance of climate change controls, the Department of the Environment said yesterday that the issue would not be discussed. The Deputy Prime Minister left yesterday with the Environment minister Michael Meacher to take part in an international commission on sustainable development. He will also hold a short "get to know you" meeting with Norm Mineta, the US Transport Secretary. On Sunday, Mr Prescott said in an interview on GMTV that he would use his influence to bring the Americans on board the climate change talks, in a response to President George Bush's decision to abandon the Kyoto Protocol. He said: "We must argue with the Americans and get them to agree that we have to have a global solution and America is a very important part of that solution. I shall be over there arguing the case again." But the Department of the Environment was clear that Mr Prescott's visit would not include talks about climate change. A spokesman said: "It is not the reason he is going out there. He is going out there to take part in the commission on sustainable development. He is only meeting the US Transport Secretary." The Tories accused Mr Prescott of making an "embarrassing gaffe". A Conservative Party spokesman said: "[He] has put his foot in it again. He is such an embarrassment to the Government. Climate change is a serious issue for serious minds. Should the Deputy Prime Minister be handling this?" Mr Prescott was instrumental in pushing through the Kyoto Treaty in 1997, which led to a legally binding agreement to a 5 per cent cut in greenhouse gases by 2010. Although America has only has 4 per cent of the world's population it causes 25 per cent of its pollution. President Bush's statement that he will not abide by the deal has infuriated environmentalists. The Green Party has launched an international boycott of American-owned petrol stations in protest against his decision. Also from the Environment section US refusal to sign Kyoto deal 'not on the agenda' for Prescott's visit Weather has taken its toll on ancient Rome, too Britain really is crumbling like never before Prescott in effort to restart Kyoto talks EU wades in to save Scotland's pearl mussels Return to top Search this site: More search options Printable Version Subscribe to the daily newsletter 25,000 Prints & Photos from WorldGallery.co.uk at the Independent Gallery Shop Search for: Our network of sites BelfastTelegraph LAM Online FirstDown.co.uk London Careers Contact Us <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om