AMSTERDAM (AP) - Developing countries have accused rich nations
of refusing to negotiate an extension of their commitments to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Jorge Arguello, head of a 131-nation group of developing
countries, says industrial countries are blocking discussion on renewing emission reductions pledges under the Kyoto Protocol after
they expire in 2012.

The two-week negotiations in Bonn, Germany, reached the halfway
point Friday. The talks are designed to prepare for a major climate
conference in South Africa starting Nov. 28.

Citing a new independent report, Arguello said poor countries
are doing more to reduce emissions than rich ones. He said it's
"unthinkable" that the poor carry the burden, so rich countries
"can maintain their privileges and levels of consumption."

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