BBC: Copenhagen police battle climate protesters

[marmar]

Copenhagen police battle climate protesters

David Shukman describes the scene as riot police confront protesters


Police have forced back hundreds of protesters who tried to break through a perimeter fence at the UN climate summit venue in Copenhagen.

The Bella Centre, where the conference is taking place, has now been shut off, with no-one allowed to enter or leave.

Activists have been angered by lack of progress on a new climate deal and also by restrictions on access to the talks.

In another development, Danish environment minister Connie Hedegaard has resigned as summit president.

She will be replaced by Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.

Ms Hedegaard said the move was procedural, adding: "With so many heads of state and government having arrived, it's appropriate that the prime minister of Denmark presides."

However, behind the scenes there are said to be deep tensions between the Danish PM's office and Ms Hedegaard's department.

Police said they had arrested about 100 protesters as they marched to the summit across Copenhagen.

The has been a tense stand-off between protesters and police following earlier clashes.

TV footage showed police using their batons on the crowd and some protesters wiping their eyes after being hit by pepper spray or tear gas. Protesters and police officers were injured in the clashes. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8415307.stm