Negotiators say climate deal still possible

[November 06, 2009]  BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- U.N. negotiators assure it is still possible next month to conclude a strong, 192-nation global deal that will define future work in fighting global warming.

Countries most vulnerable to climate change are angry that rich nations have begun rethinking the timetable for concluding a global treaty that would hold them to legally binding targets for cutting emissions of greenhouse gases.

Delegates at U.N. climate talks Friday in Spain are instead working on a draft political agreement.

The top U.N. climate negotiator Yvo de Boer says "governments can deliver a strong deal in Copenhagen," and he is looking for the United States to announce a clear target for 2020. He says he has been assured by U.S. delegates that "this can be done."

[Associated Press; By KATY DAIGLE and ARTHUR MAX]

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