Summit skirts stand on environment

“I thought Yeltsin was friendly and cooperative,” said Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi. “I think it was a positive contribution.”

Flanked by the leaders of Russia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Japan, Clinton presented the Summit of the Eight Communique at a closing ceremony at the Denver Public Library.

Amid the good spirits, a dispute over the environment was kept at a low boil. Clinton prevailed, and the final communique did not set specific goals for reducing carbon dioxide and other gases to combat global warming.

Our ultimate goal must be to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases at an acceptable level,” the communique said. “This will require efficient and cost-effective policies and measures sufficient to lead to a significant reduction in emissions.”

In another vague statement, the leaders urged all countries to make a political commitment for sustainable forest management practices.

The 15-country European Union, which has set reduced emission targets by 2010, criticized the agreement.

“I am frankly disappointed that not all our partners were able here and now to take quantified commitments on the reduction of greenhouse gas emission,” said Jacques Santer, President of the European Commission.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, at his first summit, worried that the summit tried to cover too many issues. “I think it is important at meetings like this that we get specifics out of it.”

Indeed there were some.

In a strong mandate for the United Nations, the leaders endorsed moves by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to make the body cheaper and more efficient. Under pressure from Congress, Annan is to make further recommendations next month.

Congress is expected to approve a plan to pay the bulk of the US debt of $ 819 million, contingent on UN reform and a reduction of US dues.

Just nine days before China’s takeover of Hong Kong, the leaders urged Beijing to maintain the former British colony’s “fundamental freedoms” and to conduct free elections for a new legislature as soon as possible.

In another trouble spot, the leaders said the Middle East peace process faces a crisis.They urged Israel and the Arabs to refrain from actions that could make it harder to achieve a settlement.While the statement was couched in even-handed terms, it appeared aimed at Israel’s decision to build new homes for Jews.