Agreement close on climate statement

BALI, Indonesia, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The United States and European Union appeared ready to compromise Friday on including emissions reduction targets in a guide for future talks on climate change.

Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar proposed putting the target language in a footnote, The Los Angeles Times reported. Indonesia is playing host to the United Nations conference in Bali.

The document says "deep cuts in global emissions will be required," The New York Times said.

The EU proposal called for a goal for industrialized countries of reducing emissions 25 percent to 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. U.S. negotiators refused to accept the language and the disagreement escalated to the point where the Europeans threatened to boycott a meeting called by U.S. President George W. Bush.

German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel and U.S. negotiator Harlan Watson used almost identical language, saying their countries could live with the compromise.

Delegates were expected to vote on the document Saturday.