The UN says progress is being made at the Copenhagen Climate Conference, despite divisions, as crucial meetings enter their final days.

 

The remarks come as ministers strive to break a critical deadlock just three days before world leaders are scheduled to agree on a new global pact.

Environment ministers are working deep into the night in an attempt to resolve their differences. The bulk of the work must be completed before roughly 130 world leaders formally join the proceedings on Thursday.

Negotiations stalled on Monday, over the level of emissions cuts for industrialized countries, and long-term international targets to curb an increase in global temperatures, which could trigger rising sea levels, frequent floods, and prolonged droughts.

The conference president says progress is being made.

Connie Hedegaard, Conference President, said, "So far we progressed all right during the first days, the first 10 days but it's very clear ministers have to be extremely busy and focused over the next 48 hours if we are to make the success we are trying to make."

Draft texts from Tuesday have stripped out any figures related to long-term global goals, and emissions cuts for developed nations by 2020. The numbers could be reinserted if an agreement is reached.

The UN climate chief says there is still plenty of work to be done.

Yvo De Boer, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, said, "There is still an enormous amount of work and ground to be covered if this conference is to deliver what people around the world expect it to deliver, namely ambitious emission reduction targets, significant engagement by developing countries and immediate and robust finance to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change."

World leaders will descend on Copenhagen at the end of the week. Although previous climate talks mostly dragged on long past their official deadlines, many delegates say they want to hand the arriving dignitaries a done deal this time.