Egyptian PM calls for mechanism on int'l action against climate change

Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef stressed Tuesday the need to set up a mechanism to activate the role of the international community in finding a solution to climate change.

Nazef made the remarks at a celebration marking the World Environment Day 2007 with the theme of "Climatic Changes on the Spot."

He said choosing climate change to be the theme rang an alarm bell for all countries.

Nazef termed the year of 2007 as a turning point for Egypt in the environmental working march, citing Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's call for constitutional amendments, which includes a new constitutional text to ensure the right of citizens to a clean environment.

The celebration is held under the patronage of Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, wife of the president.

Also speaking at the occasion, Egyptian Minister of State for Environment Affairs Magid George Ilyas Ghattas noted the ministry had set up a national committee on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

The minister promised the CDM projects in Egypt would reach 36 in less than two years with a total investment of nearly one billion U.S. dollars.

World Environment Day, established by the UN in 1972, is marked on June 5 annually. It is one of the principle vehicles through which the UN stimulates awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and public action.

Theme of the World Environment Day 2007 is "Melting Ice: a Hot Topic?" It focuses on the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems and communities, and the ensuing consequences around the world.

Source: Xinhua