Negotiators work on new COP28 final declaration after criticism

Dubai, 12 Dec. (Ep/Dpa) -

The Presidency of the Dubai Climate Summit (COP28) plans to present a new version of the final declaration after the storm of protests against the draft presented yesterday and which avoided mentioning the gradual elimination of fossil fuels.

The director general of the UN meeting, Majid al-Suwaidi, said, shortly after the negotiations in Dubai had to be extended due to deep divisions between the almost 200 states, that the criticism was expected and he wanted the text previous "spark conversations."

Al Suwaidi has admitted that there are very different views particularly in relation to the language around fossil fuels.

The phase-out of coal, oil and gas, which more than 100 countries have called for, was not in Monday night's draft, unlike previous versions. The EU and dozens of other countries have considered it disappointing and inadequate. Environmental organizations have also called for improvements.

Al-Suwaidi has said that until Monday it was not known exactly where each country's "red lines" were. According to him, comments have already been collected, allowing negotiators to publish a new draft. If he could include texts about fossil fuels, it would be "historic", he has stated.

However, he also specified that the responsibility ultimately lies with government delegations and how ambitious they are when it comes to climate protection.