Speaking from Copenhagen, Monica Frassoni, the Co-Spokesperson of the European Green Party, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the exclusion of key environmental and other NGOs, including Friends of the Earth, from the venue of the ongoing climate change negotiations in Copenhagen.

" It is simply unacceptable that just as the negotiations are about to enter their crucial last few days, the very organisations which have done so much to raise awareness of the urgent need for a strong, legally binding and just climate change agreement are being denied access to the COP15 venue. We were particularly shocked to hear that Friends of the Earth delegates were excluded, including their International Chair, Nnimmo Bassey, despite having both the accreditation and the secondary pass required. We also know that many thousands of people from other organisations, including Green Party representatives and delegates of the Green European Institute, have been queuing for many hours on successive days without gaining entry. This can only add to suspicions that the UN is trying to close down criticism of the talks and world leaders, most of whom will participate as of tomorrow. This is not only very bad news for all those who fight for climate justice but can only increase tensions and the likelihood of disturbances outside and inside the venue."

Graham Burgess

Media and Communications Officer

European Green Party