Africa will not accept empty words: Ethiopian PM

I / Copenhagen December 17, 2009, 13:33 IST

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says Africa is not prepared to accept empty words and agreements that undermine its fundamental interest at the United Nations Climate Change Conference here.

Meles, who has been appointed leader of the African negotiating team at the climate change summit, said when making official Africa's position yesterday, that under no circumstance would Africa accept a deal which would not ensure its interest and benefit.

Speaking on behalf of the African group at the conference, Meles said the funding for adaptation and mitigation of climate change should rise to $100 billion a year by 2020.

The funding should start by 2013 and reach $50 billion a year by 2015, with the funds allocated for adaptation by vulnerable and poor countries and regions, such as Africa and small island states, he added.

He also suggested that the fund should be financed through creative financing mechanisms and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change should mandate a commission of political leaders and experts to review all such funding mechanisms and come up with a reliable system of funding and submit its report within six months.

In the short term, Meles said, a start-up fund of $10 billion a year for the three years from 2010 to 2012 should be established to address urgent adaptation and mitigation.

He also suggested that 40 per cent of the start-up fund should be earmarked for Africa.