Madam President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Stakes are high here in the Hague. Scientists tell us the climate is changing. We see extreme weather events with our own eyes, such as the recent weeks’ flooding in Europe. These are consistent with scientists view on consequences of manmade climate change - we may see such events more frequently in the future. The damage is considerable and severe for those being hit. Still this damage is dwarfed by the suffering created by weather extremes in other parts of the world - parts that have much less resources to protect their population and adapt than this priviliged corner.

The Kyoto Protocol is first and foremost a milestone modifying longer term emissions trends. This brings benefits to all countries. The Protocol offers vehicles for sustainable development among the Parties. The CDM can, almost from this day, provide necessary funding for projects that will contribute to much needed economic development on a low emissions path in developing countries. However, for all the mechanisms we need good rules to be agreed here. The decisions on CDM should respect important environmental concerns regarding biodiversity and should not allow nuclear power.

We have a responsibility for technology transfer, capacity building and adaptation, building on the commitments in the Convention. Developing countries are in their full right to expect action from industrialised countries on these issues. We appreciate the Netherlands' leadership in providing new resources to assist developing countries, as announced by the Prime Minister yesterday. I can assure you that Norway will contribute her share, and we are open to see how the modalities most usefully can be arranged.

Madam President, We realize that the developed countries must take the lead in reducing emissions. This should be done in a way that minimises adverse effects on developing countries.

Norway has a ten year record of active climate policy, introducing mandatory measures already before Rio. In Kyoto we made a commitment to reduce emissions 20-30 per cent from a business as usual trend. We are currently working hard on a comprehensive national strategy to achieve our commitments. This includes designing a domestic emissions trading system. With other measures that will lead to emissions reductions at home.

The Kyoto mechanisms allow global cost effectiveness. Rules that ensure this are crucial for the Protocol’s entry into force. The use of mechanisms shall be supplemental to domestic action. To make this provision operational, there should be a qualitative assessment of Parties’ implementation of policies and measures, building on already established procedures for reporting and review under the Convention. A firm compliance regime is paramount - neither the mechanisms nor the Protocol will work without it.

Norway made its commitments in Kyoto on the understanding that the contribution from sinks for us, as for most countries, would be limited in the first commitment period. We should not weaken the Protocol by allowing large volumes to be counted from the inclusion of new sinks activities in that period. Still we must also find the right way to include sinks in the longer term.

We are here to solve the issues that were too complicated in Kyoto. There is a need for political decisions that last week's negotiatiors could not reach. We must enter into real negotiations and arrive at clear conclusions on the complex matters assigned to us, and we must avoid the many pitfalls that exist. Priorities differ between Parties, and we must respect that all will need to achieve acceptable results on issues of their particular concern.

Madam President, We cannot afford to lose the Protocol. It must enter into force as soon as possible. Growing emission trends indicate that we may rapidly run out of time. We must reach agreement on ratification issues here in the Hague. I believe that we can do so.

Thank you, Madam President.