But developing countries say the extension of Kyoto is non-negotiable.

Philip M. Gwage. Igandan Negotiator, said, "The baby is not perfect the baby is deformed but we must keep our baby."

And other DEVELOPED countries agree

Erik Solheim, Norwegian Environment Minister, said, "We cannot give up Kyoto as long as it is replaced by something that is less ambitious."

China has also urged nations to extend Kyoto past its expiry. But the US, which abandoned the protocol for its own domestic interests, says its staying away from the debate.

Todd Stern, US Special Envoy for Climate Change, said, "I'm not going to take position on whether if it is important for the Kyoto protocol to go on or not go on I leave that to Kyoto parties".

The divide over Kyoto is yet another roadblock for any progress to be made at the Cancun talks. And negotiators have only made incremental advances on issues of funding, transparency and forests. With only a day left to talk, concern is growing whether anything concrete will come out of Cancun.