France denounces “continued obstruction” by certain States

INTERNATIONAL – Crucial negotiations for the future of the planet at a standstill. Accusing a small group of oil-producing states of blocking negotiations in Busan, South Korea, on a global treaty against plastic pollution, several countries called this Sunday, December 1, to stop the talks without an agreement and to convene new ones. new ones at a later date.

“We are concerned about the continued obstruction” of some oil-producing countries, French Energy Minister Olga Givernet said at a press conference.

“A small minority” of states “block the process”accused the delegate of Fiji, Sivendra Michael, during this press conference which also brought together representatives of Mexico, Rwanda, Panama and the European Union. “If you don't join us to obtain an ambitious treaty (…) then leave! » he said to this minority.

“If we do not obtain an ambitious treaty in Busan, it will be a global betrayal (…) History will not forgive us. It’s time to act, or leave”launched the head of the Panamanian delegation, Juan Carlos Monterrey.

There will therefore be no question of a final treaty right away. After the week of negotiations, no agreement has been reached, the diplomat presiding over the discussions declared this Sunday, asking “more time”. “We must build on the progress that has been made” during the week, said Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso. “There is general agreement to resume the session at a later date”.

Frustration grew throughout the week

After two years of talks, the more than 170 countries represented at the fifth and in principle final meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Treaty Against Plastic Pollution (INC-5) had until this Sunday evening, or early Monday morning, to agree.

But frustration grew throughout the week within the “Coalition of high ambitions”with around sixty countries in favor of a strong treaty tackling the entire “life cycle” plastic, that is to say from the production of polymers based on petroleum products to the management of plastic waste.

This coalition opposes a small group of oil-producing countries led by Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran, who say the future treaty should only concern waste management and recycling.

A possibility that the majority do not want to hear about. “Rwanda cannot accept a toothless treaty”said the delegate from this African country, Juliet Kabera.

Earlier in the week, around a hundred countries joined a proposal from Panama to set in stone the principle of a reduction in global plastic production, requested by the most demanding countries, while referring to more the question of quantified objectives later.

If nothing is done, plastic pollution could triple worldwide by 2060, also after a tripling of global production to 1.2 billion tonnes compared to 460 million tonnes in 2019, according to an OECD calculation .

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