ID :
61354
Tue, 05/19/2009 - 16:33
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/61354
The shortlink copeid
President Lee, Clinton call for action against climate change
President Lee, Clinton call for action against climate change
(ATTN: UPDATES with additional remarks, more details)
SEOUL, May 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and former U.S.
President Bill Clinton called for immediate efforts to fight global warming and
trade protectionism during their meeting in Seoul Tuesday.
During the meeting held at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, the two leaders
also shared the view that there was not much time left to act on the climate
issue.
Clinton is on a visit here to attend the Large Cities Climate Summit, also known
as the C40 Climate Summit, that began in Seoul Monday.
"It is time to make very important decisions," Clinton said, noting an upcoming
meeting on climate change in Copenhagen at the end of the year.
Lee said he agreed with the former U.S. president's call to fight trade
protectionism, climate change and to pursue green growth.
The South Korean president said it was important not only for advanced and
industrialized countries, but for all countries, including developing nations, to
cut their greenhouse gas emissions.
"Discussions on climate change issues must include newly emerging economies, such
as China and India," the South Korean president was quoted as saying by his
spokesman Lee Dong-kwan.
Clinton concurred, but said China was still not convinced on the need to take
action.
The former U.S. president said many people mistakenly think of fighting climate
change as a difficult task, according to the spokesman for the South Korean
presidential office.
The former U.S. leader also noted it was important for Seoul and Washington to
closely cooperate on international issues, including the North Korean nuclear
issue, according to the spokesman, who said the meeting between Lee and Clinton
was very "serious and cordial."
Clinton said the incumbent U.S. administration of Barack Obama understands the
need to be strong yet flexible when dealing with North Korea and said Obama's
appointment of his wife Hillary Clinton as secretary of state proved as much.
Lee and Clinton were expected to meet again later Tuesday over dinner. The
meeting will also be attended by other participants at the climate summit,
according to Cheong Wa Dae officials.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
(ATTN: UPDATES with additional remarks, more details)
SEOUL, May 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and former U.S.
President Bill Clinton called for immediate efforts to fight global warming and
trade protectionism during their meeting in Seoul Tuesday.
During the meeting held at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, the two leaders
also shared the view that there was not much time left to act on the climate
issue.
Clinton is on a visit here to attend the Large Cities Climate Summit, also known
as the C40 Climate Summit, that began in Seoul Monday.
"It is time to make very important decisions," Clinton said, noting an upcoming
meeting on climate change in Copenhagen at the end of the year.
Lee said he agreed with the former U.S. president's call to fight trade
protectionism, climate change and to pursue green growth.
The South Korean president said it was important not only for advanced and
industrialized countries, but for all countries, including developing nations, to
cut their greenhouse gas emissions.
"Discussions on climate change issues must include newly emerging economies, such
as China and India," the South Korean president was quoted as saying by his
spokesman Lee Dong-kwan.
Clinton concurred, but said China was still not convinced on the need to take
action.
The former U.S. president said many people mistakenly think of fighting climate
change as a difficult task, according to the spokesman for the South Korean
presidential office.
The former U.S. leader also noted it was important for Seoul and Washington to
closely cooperate on international issues, including the North Korean nuclear
issue, according to the spokesman, who said the meeting between Lee and Clinton
was very "serious and cordial."
Clinton said the incumbent U.S. administration of Barack Obama understands the
need to be strong yet flexible when dealing with North Korea and said Obama's
appointment of his wife Hillary Clinton as secretary of state proved as much.
Lee and Clinton were expected to meet again later Tuesday over dinner. The
meeting will also be attended by other participants at the climate summit,
according to Cheong Wa Dae officials.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
