Danish Conference president resigns

The Danish president of the UN Climate Change Conference, Connie Hedegaard, has resigned. Denmark's Prime Minister, Lars Loekke Rasmussen, will replace her as head of the talks.

Representatives from many developed countries believe that Hedegaard was biased toward developed countries in the negotiations.

The change was announced on Wednesday as the 193-nation conference enters into a higher phase of negotiations. UN climate chief Yvo de Boer says Hedegaard will continue to lead informal talks, but that Rasmussen will now be the formal head of the conference.

Hedegaard says it's appropriate for the Danish Prime Minister to take over with so many heads of the state and government arriving.

Connie Hedegaard, Special Rep., UN Climate Change Conference, said, "it is appropriate that the Prime Minister of Denmark presides. However, as mentioned by the executive secretary, the Prime Minister has appointed me as his special representative. I will, thus, continue to negotiate the Copenhagen outcome with my colleagues."

Denmark's Climate and Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard speaks to media during the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 in Copenhagen, December 16, 2009.REUTERS/Ints Kalnins