Reuters: U.N.-led climate talks in Bali agreed on Saturday to launch negotiations on a new global warming pact to succeed the Kyoto Protocol after the United States dropped last-minute opposition. Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar, the host of the talks, banged down his gavel on the deal to rapturous applause from delegates after an impassioned plea by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “This is the defining moment for me and my mandate as secretary-general,” …