Japan has asked the United States to reconsider its decision to back out of the Kyoto climate change treaty, saying Washington's role was vital to tackling global warming.
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"Japan strongly hopes that the US will rejoin the negotiations aimed at ratifying the Kyoto protocol," Foreign Minister Mr Yohei Kono was quoted as telling US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell in a foreign ministry statement.
Mr Kono called Mr Powell earlier in the day and talked for 20 minutes, the statement said.
"The decision by the United States not only affects many other countries but also disappoints them," Mr Kono said.
Mr Powell told Mr Kono that neither the US Congress nor President George W. Bush supported the Kyoto protocol, saying the treaty would cost Washington too much for few benefits.
Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori told parliament today Japan would continue to press the United States on the treaty.
"I believe it is Japan's role to continue efforts to gain the understanding of the United States," Mr Mori said.
AFP