UN chief hopeful of Copenhagen deal

By Joydeep Gupta, Copenhagen, Dec 18 : Negotiations at the Copenhagen climate summit 'have been very slow', UN chief Ban Ki-Moon rued Thursday evening, 'but I have not seen anything to indicate we can't seal a deal'.

In a briefing for select media from around the world, Ban said: "I believe we can seal a deal because all major players want it. Over 130 world leaders are here. If they can't seal a deal, who can?"

Pointing out that there were only 24 hours before a Copenhagen agreement had to be finalised, Ban said: "What must be the keywords now are common sense, compromise and courage.

"It is our moral and political imperative and responsibility to work for the future of humanity. World leaders have to take action."

Asked what his response would be if there was no deal in Copenhagen, Ban responded: "We have to have a deal."