Klaus proposes to abolish monopoly on climate change debate

New York- Czech President Vaclav Klaus told Czech journalists in New York today it would most help the debate on climate change if the current monopoly and one-sidedness were eliminated.

CeskeNoviny.cz, September 28, 2007

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In his speech at the special U.N. summit on climate change in New York today Klaus said that despite the artificially created idea about a large extent of ongoing climate changes, the recent rise in global temperatures has been very small in historical comparison and its impact on man and his activities are basically negligible.

Klaus told journalists that the only chance was his proposal that the United Nations organise two parallel inter-governmental panels to discuss climate and publish two competing reports, because it was a political question.

"Let us look for a real solution," he said.

He said he would not take part in today's lunch at which former U.S. vice-president Albert Gore who holds the views on the global warming different from Klaus's would be present.

Klaus said the reason was his bilateral meetings, adding that he did not feel the need to meet Gore as one of several hundred listeners.

He said he agreed that it was correct to compare different views.

"However, this would require the side that behaves as if it has a monopoly on the truth showed the willingness for a dialogue and a public discussion. I am prepared for such a debate any minute," Klaus said.

Klaus described the task of lowering of greenhouse gases emissions set in international documents as an order, which does not mean that it is feasible.

"Reality will show whether world science and technologies will fulfil it or not," he said.

Asked whether his position contradicted the position of the Czech government Klaus said that the position of the Green Party and the Environment Ministry led by its chairman Martin Bursik was not the position of the entire government.

Klaus said that at the meeting in New York he made a speech as Czech president.

"It was not even possible that it was otherwise," he said.