Announcement by the offices of the Prime Minister of Denmark and the Minister for the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009

As a consequence of the unprecedented number of Heads of State and Government who have started to arrive in Copenhagen to participate in climate negotiations, Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen will, from the beginning of the High-Level Segment, take the chair as president of the COP and the COP/CMP.

The Danish Prime Minister has appointed Minister Connie Hedegaard as his special representative. Thus, she will continue conducting informal consultations to the Copenhagen Outcome.

 Approximately 115 heads of state and government have decided to participate in COP15 at summit level to close a deal in Copenhagen. This historical will to address the climate challenge is the strongest possible driver for a global agreement. The final negotiations will be tense and strenuous. I have therefore asked Minister Connie Hedegaard to continue to negotiate the Copenhagen outcome with her colleagues, said Mr. Løkke Rasmussen .

Connie Hedegaard said: With so many Heads of State and Governments arriving to give their statements it is appropriate that the Danish Prime Minister presides. Negotiations and consultations will be conducted at all levels. Who would have believed that in Bali two years ago? Leaders work, ministers work, and negotiators work to reach a global agreement. Let's get it done.

 For further information contact:

 Michael Helbo, Press Secretary Prime Ministers office, +4540803685

Anders Frandsen, Special advisor to Min. Connie Hedegaard, + 45 41339470

Ida Ebbensgaard, Head of Press for Min. Connie Hedegaard,  +45 20815892