Russia to ratify Kyoto Protocol by the end of the year?

The Russian government may consider the possibility of ratifying the Kyoto Protocol until the end of the year, Russia's deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Muhamed Tsikanov announced during the "Parliament Hour" on Wednesday.

He also told the deputies about the world summit meeting in Johannesburg. According to his account, the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol was one of the key items of the agenda. Russia stated that it would possibly ratify the Protocol, but first it would have to complete the financial and economic assessment of the consequences of this step, he said.