Developing countries stall climate talks

UN climate talks were thrown into chaos today as developing countries blocked negotiations and demanded that rich nations increase their efforts for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Representatives from developing countries said they refused to participate in any working groups at the 192-nation summit until the issue was resolved.

The move was a setback for the Copenhagen talks, which are already faltering over long-running disputes between rich and poor nations over emissions cuts and financing for developing countries to deal with climate change.

"Nothing is happening at this moment," said Zia Hoque Mukta, a delegate from Bangladesh.

He said developing countries demanded that conference president Connie Hedegaard bring the industrial nations’ emissions targets to the top of the agenda before talks can resume.