Anatoly Panfilov, the leader of the Green Party, headed a protest by several dozen militants held to mark the opening of a debate on the issue in the Duma, or lower house of parliament.

"We call on the Duma to take an important step by ratifying the Kyoto protocol," he said, noting that Russia's ratification was currently essential if the agreement is to come into force.

"Once again, our country is lagging behind the world community," Panfilov said.

The Kyoto treaty, aimed at reducing the emissions which cause global warming of the atmosphere, needs to be ratified by either the United States or Russia if it is to come into force.

The US administration of President George W. Bush has refused to ratify it, although John Kerry, the presumed Democratic candidate in next November's US presidential election has said he favours ratification.

"If John Kerry wins the US election, the American Congress will ratify the agreement and Russia's stance on it will no longer have any importance," said Panfilov, whose tiny party has no seats in the Duma.

TERRA.WIRE