DATE=9/29/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA / CLIMATE (S)

NUMBER=2-308017

BYLINE=LISA MCADAMS

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Vladimir Putin says Russia has not yet decided whether to ratify the Kyoto protocol, which aims to reduce the emissions of various gases believed to cause global warming. V-O-A's Lisa McAdams reports from Moscow where Mr. Putin spoke at the opening of an international conference on global climate change.

TEXT: Opening the conference (Monday), President Putin acknowledged Russia would be pushed during the week to sign the Kyoto protocol. But he said Russian experts still need to study the issue.

/// PUTIN ACT IN RUSSIAN ///

President Putin says his government must consider the economic and social costs to Russia if it signs the protocol. But he says a decision will be made based on Russia's national interests.

Mr. Putin's remarks dashed the hopes of many participant nations, who had expected Russia to ratify the treaty during the World Climate Change Conference.

Russian officials have recently linked Russia's ratification to guarantees of western aid. Russian ratification is necessary in order for the treaty to come into force. (SIGNED)

NEB/LAM/MAR/RAE