APEC leaders agree long-term goal to cut emissions

SYDNEY, Sep 8 (Reuters) Asia-Pacific nations, including China and the United States, agreed today to adopt a ''long-term aspirational goal'' to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said today.

Howard told reporters at the end of the first day of the weekend summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum that the 21 leaders had agreed on the need for all nations to contribute according to their own capacities and circumstances to reducing greenhouse gases.

''This demonstrates the relevance of APEC. It demonstrates that APEC is very much alive and kicking,'' Howard said.

A draft copy of the declaration, obtained by Reuters, reaffirmed the UN climate convention as the primary vehicle for fighting global warming, while urging non-binding targets for greenhouse gas reductions.

REUTERS SW AS1235