U.S. – Australia Relations

[R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs] Comments on U.S. Position on the Kyoto Regime

Sydney — 6 December 2007

R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs
Sydney, Australia
December 6, 2007

We do not see eye-to-eye with Australia or many other countries on the wisdom of signing the Kyoto regime, that's obvious. But we do agree that it is a critical question, it is a vital question that we try to agree on a post-Kyoto global regime that will reduce carbon emissions. The key question will be how you reduce, what's the best way to stimulate a reduction in carbon emissions, and that's where all the international debate is now focused.

I hope that Australians realize that America is going to be in this struggle. We're going to have a disagreement on some of the tactics - we already do. But I think the important thing is not to demonize each other in the process, not to try to stake out polar positions where you can't compromise, and to look for solutions on a pragmatic basis. I think that's what the President Bush has been saying, that's what's our delegation will say in Bali.

Released on December 6, 2007

Original document from www.state.gov.

Last update Friday, 7 December 2007