India made it clear that at no circumstance it will accept the legally binding emission cut,which is the responsibility of the developed countries including the United States. "India at no circumstance will accept the legally binding emission cut," Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh said in the Rajya Sabha,while replying to a Calling Attention on 'Government's changing position on climate change'. He sought to allay fears of the Opposition that India could give concessions to developed countries in the Copenhagen summit and said developing countries,including India,have no obligation to reduce green house gas emissions. Ramesh said he has initiated a debate on various issues so that India negotiates from a position of strength and that it should not be defensive. Referring to the need for a domestic law,the minister said Parliament should ensure the accountability. But there should be a law on climate change on the pattern of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act,he noted. He said the government is considering bringing a law to make sure there is a nationally accountable mitigation outcome. "If you do not have such a law in the country,how can you argue that polluters must pay," he said. Rejecting opposition charges,he said,"I have not deviated from the stated position of the country. But my point is that India should not be isolated like Brazil,South Korea and Indonesia that have already announced cut in emission reduction." Referring to India signing a partnership agreement with China on climate change,he asked,"If I am an American stooge,why shall I do it."
