Youths take a step backward

Some 40 protesters representing the youth at the current UN meeting in Bali staged a unique protest on Wednesday by taking things a step backward inside the main venue of the Bali International Convention Center (BICC).

During the rally, the protesters expressed concern that negotiations during the UN meeting were not making any progress.

The protesters started to walk backwards from Nusantara Room 3 on the second floor in the BICC at 2:30 p.m.

Several people claiming to represent the youth group started the protest by stepping out of the room backwards. The line of protesting pairs grew longer as several other delegates and NGO members decided to join.

The action drew attention from onlookers and other delegates inside the BICC as well as the UN security guards overseeing the area.

The protest stunned security guards, who escorted the protesters to the back entrance of the BICC's first floor.

"Not only are negotiations being re-negotiated, but they are being watered down," said Emil Andersson from the Swedish Youth Council.

The parade of protesters, who took the meeting a step backwards, dispersed peacefully at about 3 p.m. -- JP