The United States today pushed for a compromise in the global climate talks in Copenhagen next month, saying that a strong outcome was possible with a maximum effort by all nations, dpa reported. "We cannot let the pursuit of perfection stand in the way of progress," US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Singapore. "If we all exert maximum effort and embrace the right blend of pragmatism and principle, I believe we can secure a strong outcome in Copenhagen," she said. One yardstick to measure the outcome of the talks would be that any agreement had to involve immediate global activity, Clinton said, noting that "we cannot afford further delay." Moreover, an agreement had to include funding facilities for developing countries. "We are prepared to support a Global Climate Fund that will support adaptation and mitigation efforts and a matching entity to help developing countries match needs with available resources," said Clinton. Beyond Copenhagen, she said, the US was "committed to reaching the goal of a global, legally binding climate agreement, and will continue working vigorously with the international community towards that end." "We are prepared to assume our share of responsibility," Clinton said.
