Abe gives himself pat on the back over contribution to G-8 summit

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday claimed that Japan made a "significant contribution" to the just ended Group of Eight summit and pledged to continue taking up the issue of climate change as a major topic next year when Japan takes over as host of the summit from Germany.

Giving himself a pat on the back, a beaming Abe told a press conference that he was "very satisfied" that discussions at the summit for a consensus on emissions reduction "were centered on my proposal" and that Japan's initiative was included in the summit declaration.

Abe, who made his debut at the summit in the German resort of Heiligendamm, also emphasized his leadership in guiding discussions on the North Korean nuclear, missile and abduction issues.

"I won the understanding and support of the other leaders and we were able to send a strong message in the Chair's Summary that included a demand for an early resolution of the abduction issue," Abe said.

Abe's carefully scripted language, including the repeated use of "I," which is rare in Japanese, reflects the premier's eagerness to impress the Japanese public with his achievements at the summit in hopes of improving his ailing support ratings just a month ahead of a crucial House of Councillors election.

"I will ensure that next year's summit will be managed so that it is absolutely environmentally friendly," Abe said. "I also hope to make Japan's superb technology and expertise in energy saving a showcase, so I hope you all will come and enjoy it too."

Although Abe promised Japan will "do the best" to meet its obligation to cut emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, the country is in reality nowhere close to meeting it. While it is obliged to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 6% from 1990 levels by 2012, emissions actually increased by 8% in 2005.

Japan will host next year's summit of the world's top industrial powers at the Lake Toya hot-spring resort in Hokkaido from July 7-9, 2008.