US, Europe strike deal on future climate talks

The two sides have been at loggerheads for two weeks on convening informal meetings to discuss what must be done once the Kyoto protocol expires.

The European Union wanted several informal meetings over the next year on strengthening the international fight against climate change.

The United States insisted on a single meeting at which participants would only exchange information on the environment policies of different countries.

The compromise struck Friday calls for a single meeting, in May 2005, as the United States had wanted.

But, in keeping with European wishes, the meeting will last several days, and the future of climate change negotiations will be up for discussion.

The meeting will "promote an informal exchange of information" on actions related to cutting harmful emissions and adapting to climate change, according to the draft text of the deal.