No accord on plastic pollution deal, more time needed, says chair

BUSAN - Negotiators have failed to reach an agreement on a landmark treaty to curb plastic pollution, the diplomat chairing the talks said on Dec 1, calling for additional time to continue discussions.

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Nearly 200 nations are in South Korea's Busan for negotiations that are supposed to result in a landmark accord after two years of discussions.

But a week of talks has failed to resolve deep divisions between "high-ambition" countries seeking a globally binding agreement to limit production and phase out harmful chemicals, and "like-minded" nations who want to focus on waste.

A draft text released on the afternoon of Dec 1 after multiple delays included a wide range of options, making clear the ongoing level of disagreement.

When an open plenary session finally convened late on Dec 1, Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso said progress had been made.

But he acknowledged "we must also recognise that a few critical issues still prevent us from reaching a comprehensive agreement".

"These unresolved issues remain challenging and additional time will be needed to address them effectively," he said. "There is a general agreement to resume the current session at a later date to conclude our negotiations."