MOSCOW, Russia (AP) - The Russian Cabinet yesterday approved the Kyoto Protocol in a crucial step that could bring the long-delayed climate change treaty into worldwide effect within months.

But many Russian officials remain opposed to the treaty. Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, on a trip to the Netherlands, said he expected "difficult debate" when parliament meets - possibly before the end of the year - to decide on final ratification.

President Vladimir Putin's economic adviser, Andrei Illarionov, lamented "a political decision that will damage national interests in many areas," according to the ITAR-Tass news agency.

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol seeks to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, widely seen as a key factor behind global warming.

Without Russia's support, the pact - which has been rejected by the United States - cannot come into effect. It needs the support of 55 industrialised nations accounting for at least 55 per cent of global emissions in 1990.

In Brussels, European Union spokesman Reijo Kemppinen called the Russian approval "a very welcome event" and said the EU hopes the United States will reconsider its position.

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