Protesters march on Copenhagen summit
2009-12-16 @ 11:29:03
Hundreds of protesters are marching towards the UN climate summit venue in Copenhagen as ministers begin their discussions there.
Activists have been angered by the lack of progress on a new climate deal, and some have said they will try to get into the debating chambers.
Talks are deadlocked over emission cuts and financial aid for poorer countries.
As environment ministers join the talks, officials have cut the number of campaigners allowed into the venue.
Security is tight and police have set up security checkpoints on bridges and roads leading to the Bella Centre, where the summit is taking place.
Shortly after the march got under way, police said they had detained about 100 demonstrators after activists said they intended to break through a police cordon.
A BBC correspondent at the Bella Centre said there were about 10 protesters in the central concourse.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has suggested that poor countries may have to give up their hope of getting immediate long-term financial commitments from richer countries.
The amount of aid rich nations will pay poorer ones to combat global warming has been one of the main stumbling blocks at the summit.
In an interview with the UK's Financial Times, Mr Ban said he didn't think the exact amount was vital to the current deal.
"If they are not able to agree this time at Copenhagen, then there needs to be some initial arrangement. This is a time when common sense, compromise and partnership should prevail," he said.
Activists have been angered by the lack of progress on a new climate deal, and some have said they will try to get into the debating chambers.
Talks are deadlocked over emission cuts and financial aid for poorer countries.
As environment ministers join the talks, officials have cut the number of campaigners allowed into the venue.
Security is tight and police have set up security checkpoints on bridges and roads leading to the Bella Centre, where the summit is taking place.
Shortly after the march got under way, police said they had detained about 100 demonstrators after activists said they intended to break through a police cordon.
A BBC correspondent at the Bella Centre said there were about 10 protesters in the central concourse.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has suggested that poor countries may have to give up their hope of getting immediate long-term financial commitments from richer countries.
The amount of aid rich nations will pay poorer ones to combat global warming has been one of the main stumbling blocks at the summit.
In an interview with the UK's Financial Times, Mr Ban said he didn't think the exact amount was vital to the current deal.
"If they are not able to agree this time at Copenhagen, then there needs to be some initial arrangement. This is a time when common sense, compromise and partnership should prevail," he said.