Ethiopian PM, the AU climate negotiator left for Copenhagen

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

December 15, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who leads the African negotiating team on world climate summit, on Tuesday left for Copenhagen, Denmark.

Meles, before to reach Copenhagen, discussed in Paris today with the French President Nicolas the challenges the summit is facing. Both they urged all parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to adopt an ambitious agreement at the end of the Copenhagen conference, limiting the temperature rise to 2 degrees.

The Ethiopian Prime minister along with his delegation is expected to voice Africa’s common position on the concerns of climate change at the important UN climate summit.

Leaders from over 110 countries are due to arrive at Copenhagen on Wednesday where they will engage in an intense final negotiation talks.

The African team will participate in the negotiations with a clear understanding of the kind of political leadership required to achieve the best out come possible

With the survival of the planet hanging in the balance, it is altogether fitting that the summit should command undivided attention.

The next few days, where talks will go to climax, will test whether world leaders can come together on an agenda which will really provide for step forward in the efforts to rally humanity behind a practical solution to the challenge of climate change.

Africa negotiating team includes leaders from Ethiopia, Kenya, Algeria, South Africa, Libya, DR Congo, Uganda, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Mauritius.

(ST)