EU hesitant over Kyoto extension

CANCUN, Mexico - The European Union is still hesitating over whether to extend the Kyoto Protocol after its first commitment period expires in 2012, while environmentalists are trying to save the only global carbon reduction regime.

"We're willing to consider a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol," said Peter Wittoeck, the Belgian envoy who speaks for the EU.

"But if it is only the EU that is under such a commitment without the rest of the world (then) that would not be a solution for the global climate problem."