Russia backs green initiative

BRUSSELS - Russia has repeated its support of the efforts by the bloc of developing countries known as BASIC - Brazil, South Africa, India and China - to push forward global climate change negotiations and sustainable development.

The commitment was expressed in the Sanya Declaration released on Thursday by leaders of the five countries.

The countries vowed to support the Durban climate change conference in South Africa this December and another two global conferences on sustainable development and biodiversity to be held in Brazil and India in 2012.