New compromise text expected shortly

A new compromise text aimed at overcoming deadlock at UN climate change talks was due to be presented shortly, diplomats in Copenhagen said Wednesday, DPA reported.

The proposal is to come amid complaints of a "lack of transparency" from the Chinese delegation and of a "lack of progress" lamented by Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean which risks being submerged by rising sea levels caused by global warming.

Organizers also denied media reports suggesting that the conference's chair, Connie Hedegaard, had resigned.

Officials said that a procedural change saw Danish Prime Minister Anders Lokke Rasmussen conduct official talks with world leaders and environment ministers, while Hedegaard was to lead informal consultations.