Ankara  - Turkey is to sign the Kyoto Protocol on climate change with parliament to vote on it in the near future, government spokesman Cemil Cicek announced on Monday.

"The cabinet decided it was necessary to take a more active role in the future," Cicek said after a cabinet meeting.

Cicek said Turkey has to sign the protocol if it wants to shape a future Kyoto Treaty and in order to protect its own interests.

Turkey has previously refused to sign the protocol fearing that it could result in a slowing down of industrialization.

The protocol requires signatory nations to reduce carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases that are blamed for global warming and climate change.

Along with the United States, Turkey is one of a small handful of countries not to have signed the protocol. (dpa)