G-8 sees climate deal

“We will cooperate to ensure that the global economy resumes growth along a balanced, equitable and sustainable path for the benefit of all, especially the most vulnerable,” said the draft statement following the morning's talks.

“We will resist protectionism and promote open markets for trade and investment,” added the draft statement, a copy of which was seen by AFP.

Leaders also vowed to conclude the Doha round of trade negotiations next year, again according to the draft accord.

“We ... are committed to seek an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the Doha Development Round in 2010, consistent with its mandate, building on the progress already made,” said the joint draft statement.

The so-called Doha round of trade liberalisation talks were launched in the Qatari capital in late 2001 but have foundered ever since, despite repeated attempts to infuse new life in the negotiations.

Progress has been hampered by disputes between developed and developing nations on measures to ease restrictions on trade in agricultural and industrial products.

Two officials in L'Aquila said plans were in the works for World Trade Organisation ministers to meet sometime before a summit of the Group of 20 economic powers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 24 and 25.

Outside the summit venue, a police training barracks hurriedly transformed into an international conference centre, wives of several of the G-8 leaders toured the town of L'Aquila, devastated in an April 6 earthquake.

The women, including U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, saw the work to recover the mountain town's historic centre and were ushered away from a protest by local residents who feel not enough has been done to rehouse them.

The G-8 summit was to continue with more talks with the emergent economies' leaders Thursday, before coming to a conclusion Friday.

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