In 2000 and 2001 he chaired the UN climate conference, where parties agreed upon a compliance mechanism for the Kyoto protocol for the reduction of greenhouse gases.

"Environmental groups and industry both need strong, effective compliance mechanisms because otherwise this treaty is a fraud," he said.

Ensuring that Iran and North Korea comply with their international obligations is critical Stronger compliance mechanisms and procedures in the future.

Importantly, the GDI is not envisioned as a compliance mechanism to offset environmental impacts, but rather as a verification mechanism to recognise good environmental performance.

A new kind of compliance mechanism at the I.R.S. may add to the feeling of discontent.

"We found a systemic breakdown in the compliance mechanisms of the firm," Denise Voigt Crawford, the Texas state securities commissioner, said.

In particular, substantial progress needs to be made in developing suitable compliance mechanisms and procedures.

Within this framework, the compliance mechanism is also considered very important.

Secondly, we want to agree a compliance mechanism to ensure that parties to the Protocol keep to its rules.

Because this imbalance leads to daunting divergences between Member States, and to ensure financial discipline at European level, we need good governance, sanctions and compliance mechanisms.