Meles said the climate change issue had become a matter of survival which had forced Africans to speak with one voice. Although it was premature to talk about the outcomes of the conference, Africa would leave stone unturned to ensure its benefits, he stressed.

The prime minister said Africa’s decision to speak with one voice and field one negotiating team at Copenhagen was a first for the continent.

He said Africa needed to secure adequate compensation for the damage done to the continent’s development prospects. “We need money — not the phony money that we have frequently been promised without any prospect of it being delivered — but real money that can make a difference,” Meles said.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to be Africa’s spokesman on the matter and lead Africa’s negotiating team. I am sure every Ethiopian feels equally honored.

“I want to assure everyone here that I will work tirelessly and with total dedication to the fulfillment of the interests of our continent as a whole in the upcoming negotiations.

African Union (AU) Commission Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mewecha said Africa’s decision to speak out with one voice, represented by one team at Copenhagen, was a landmark decision.

Africa’s message is to put across that developed countries should substantially reduce their carbon emissions and support Africa while other developing countries should contribute their fair share to the solution, he added.

Africa’s negotiating team led by Meles has received expressions of support here over the weekend before it left for the Danish capital organized by renowned artistes and personalities.

President Girma Woldegiorgis wished the delegation good luck. Apart from Meles, the African negotiating team includes the leaders of Kenya, Algeria, South Africa, Libya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Mauritius, Nigeria and Uganda.