Putin adviser rules out Russian ratification of Kyoto Protocol
Moscow-AP -- A senior adviser to Russia's president says his country cannot ratify the Kyoto Protocol limiting greenhouse gas emissions. President Vladimir Putin's (POO'-tihnz) economic adviser says it would place "significant limitations" on Russia's economic growth.
Russia's refusal kills the possibility of ratification because its support was needed.
This announcement comes at the same time the U-N Climate Conference is meeting in Italy, where worries were mounting Russia that would not ratify the pact.
In order for the protocol to go into effect, it has to be ratified by no fewer than 55 countries, accounting for at least 55 percent of global emissions in 1990. The United States has rejected the treaty.
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