"It’s going to be quite a sprint for ministers to secure a strong deal by Friday. The French COP [Conference of the Parties] Presidency now has the responsibility to take us to the finish line. The draft negotiating text, while more clear in terms of options, still reflects most of the divergences among countries," Tasneem Essop told reporters on the sidelines of the UN climate talks in Paris (COP 21).
According to him, reaching a comprehensive deal would require immense skill on the part of the French presidency and absolute cooperation between governments to mediate any existing disagreements on the issue.
"We’re hoping that in the rush to the end, ministers do not trade ambition for expediency, and remain true to the science," Essop added.
The COP21 is scheduled to produce the final text by Friday, December 11.
