"Senior G77 Members Protest Steps To Change Kyoto Pact"

"BANGKOK - Senior G77 members walked out of a meeting during climate talks in the Thai capital saying they would not discuss a future without the Kyoto Protocol climate pact, delegates said on Wednesday.

South Africa's lead negotiator, China and OPEC countries left the informal session late on Tuesday that was discussing the shape of new climate agreement that would bind all nations in the fight against climate change.

Tensions have been rising during marathon U.N. climate talks in Bangkok that end on Friday over accusations rich nations are trying to kill off Kyoto, which binds 37 industrialized nations to emissions targets during its 2008-12 first commitment period."

The G77 is a coalition of some 130 developing nations.

David Fogarty reports for Reuters October 8, 2009.

See Also:

"Climate Talks Stall on Developed Countries' Weak Commitments" (ENS)

"Climate: What's To Become of Kyoto Protocol?" (AFP)