HEILIGENDAMM, Germany, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from the Group of Eight (G8) leading industrial powers have reached an agreement that foresees "substantial" cuts in greenhouse gas emission.

    According to German news agency DPA, the plan aims to cut carbon emissions by 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

    German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the agreement a "great success."

G8 leaders conclude first working session

    HEILIGENDAMM, Germany, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations concluded their first closed-door working session here on Thursday.

    Later, they posed for a so-called family photo before meeting the Junior 8 group, which consists of eight youngsters from the G8 countries and one representative from a developing country. Full story

Blair: agreement on substantial reduction in emissions possible

     HEILIGENDAMM, Germany, June 7 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed optimism here on Thursday that an agreement on a need for "substantial" cuts in greenhouse gas emissions is possible by the end of the summit of the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations.

    Blair was speaking to reporters after a meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush shortly before the G8 leaders started their first working session, which focuses on global economy. Full story