"Brazilian negotiators have been accused of using strong-arm tactics at Rio+20 to secure a deal before heads of state start arriving for the Earth Summit later this week."

"The ghost of the Copenhagen talks — which ended with disappointment and recriminations — is driving the attempt to force through an agreement, despite risks it could backfire spectacularly, said a senior source at the negotiations.

Brazil's spokesman said on Monday he was optimistic a compromise text could be approved by Tuesday evening.

But frustrated delegates are now considering blocking the proposed text because of its lack of ambition and the "aggressive" tactics employed by the host nation."

Jonathan Watts reports for the Guardian June 18, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

Op-Ed: "Rio Isn’t All Lost" (New York Times) [3]

"Factbox: The Rio+20 Development Conference" (Reuters) [4]

"Expectations Low For Rio+20 UN Development Summit" (Reuters) [5]

"Rio+20 Negotiators Report 'Progress,' NGOs Call It 'Weak'" (ENS) [6]

"Rio+20: The World Is Getting Too Heavy Finds New League Table of Fattest Countries on Earth" (London Telegraph) [7]

"Rio Environment Meeting Focuses On 'Energy For All'" (NPR) [8]

"Rio+20 People's Summit Gathers Pace" (Guardian) [9]