Japan still the deal breakers1 April 2008
Despite repeated questioning in Bonn, Japan's Environment Minister Kawaguchi has refused to clarify Japan's position on the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol - a key treaty on climate change.
Without Japanese commitment - the Bonn talks could fail. For the Protocol to come into force, countries responsible for at least 55% of industrialised nations' greenhouse gas emissions must ratify.
Japan says it has come to the talks to negotiate rules, and will consider ratification later. But it's demands for greater concessions threaten the integrity of the Protocol.
Japan wants forests to count for more towards its greenhouse gas cuts targets. This would mean that Japan could completely avoid reducing emissions from burning fossil fuels.
