Copenhagen: A surprise seems to be springing up everyday at Copenhagen. Day 3 saw a major split between developing countries.

Small island states and African nations vulnerable to climate impacts made a strong demand for a legally-binding deal, much tougher than the Kyoto Protocol.

However, some of the bigger developing nations such as China and India opposed it, fearing tougher action would curb their growth.

The Tuvalu delegation walked out when it appeared that the issue might be sidelined. Tuvalu's negotiator Ian Fry made clear that his country could accept nothing less than full discussion of its proposal for a new legal protocol.

The split is unusual within the developing bloc as it generally speaks in one voice.

Tags: change, climate, Copenhagen

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