BRUSSELS, Sept. 30 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Commission (EC) Thursday extended warm welcome to the decision of the Russian government to submit the proposal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol to the Duma.

    In a written statement e-mailed Thursday evening to Brussels-based media, EC President Romano Prodi praised the Russian government's proposal.

    "Once the Duma confirms the ratification it means that the Kyoto Protocol will enter into force. This is a huge success for the international fight against climate change," said Prodi.

    The executive of the European Union (EU) looks forward to working with Russia on carrying out the Protocol, said the EC boss.

    According to the EC, Prodi himself and the EC have pushed the issue repeatedly in different contacts with Russian authorities over the past months. Only last week Prodi held a long telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Kyoto Protocol.

    "I have always held the view that this is in the best interest of Russia and its people," said Prodi in the statement.

    "Global climate change is a fight that our generation has to win for the sake of the future of our children and this planet. Wehave no right to go back on our promises. The Kyoto Protocol is the best available weapon in the hands of the international community," he added. Enditem