Ban praises US-China pledge to cut CO2 emissions
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said a deal announced on Wednesday (Nov 12) by the United States and China to curb their greenhouse gas emissions is an important step in securing a global climate pact next year.
NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday (Nov 12) commended the US and China for reaching a historic agreement to cut greenhouse emissions to tackle the problem of climate change.
He said the two countries have shown leadership in this matter and urged others to follow suit. "The decision on their post-2020 action on climate change, not only the commitment to increase their level of commitment on reducing CO2 emissions, is an important contribution to the new climate agreement to be reached in Paris next year."
"I urge all countries, especially all major economies to follow China's and the United States' lead and announce ambitious post-2020 targets as soon as possible, no later than in the first quarter of 2015," added Mr Ban.
As part of the deal reached earlier Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China had set a target date of "around 2030" for its greenhouse gas emissions to peak. He also pledged 20 percent of China's energy would come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. On the US side, President Barack Obama said his country would cut its own emissions of greenhouse gases by 26-28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025.
Mr Ban is in Myanmar to attend the ASEAN summit that is set to focus on territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The UN chief expressed concern over the maritime territorial disputes in the region. He said that the historical tensions as well as the competing territorial claims will hold the region back.
Mr Ban said he is encouraged that there are more plans for dialogue in order to prevent the further escalation of incidents. "Leaders have a responsibility to resolve their dispute peacefully through dialogue. On Asia, that can overcome legacy issues and look to a shared future and we will be even better placed to advance prosperity for all," he said.
On Myanmar, Mr Ban said the country's democratization is at a defining moment. That is the reason why it is critical to ensure a transparent and inclusive election that is due at the end of next year.
He also acknowledged the discrimination against the Rohingyas or the Bengalis. Mr Ban called on the Myanmar government to uphold human rights and take a strong stance against any incitement as well as ensure that the Rohingyas have access to humanitarian aid.
Progress made on these fronts will give a positive message to the world and also ensure that Myanmar's transition is on track.
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