Copenhagen climate talks in quotes

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva: "The issue is not only the money"

World leaders have been speaking at the UN climate conference in Copenhagen as it nears its climax.

Here is a selection of quotes from the conference centre.

US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

We know the fault lines, because we have been imprisoned by them for years. These international discussions have essentially taken place now for almost two decades. And we have very little to show for it other than an increased acceleration of the climate-change phenomenon... The time for talk is over.

This is the bottom line: we can embrace this accord, take a substantial step forward, continue to refine it and build upon its foundation. We can do that, and everyone who is in this room will be a part of an historic endeavour - one that makes life better for our children and our grandchildren.

EU COMMISSION PRESIDENT JOSE MANUEL BARROSO

I really expect them [the US] to announce something more because if they don't do it, others will find an excuse also not to move.

CHINESE PREMIER WEN JIABAO

China has taken climate change very seriously in the course of its development.

Bearing in mind the fundamental interests of the Chinese people and mankind's long-term development, we have exerted unremitting effort and made positive contribution to the fight against climate change.

BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA

The issue is not only the money. Some people think only funds or money would solve the problems.

It did not solve the problems, it will not solve the problems of the present and will not solve the problems for the future.

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MANMOHAN SINGH

Each one of us acknowledges that those worst affected by climate change are the least responsible for it.

Whatever emerges from our negotiations must address this glaring injustice - injustice to the countries of Africa, injustice to the least developed countries and injustice to the small island states whose very survival as viable nations is in jeopardy.

JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER YUKIO HATOYAMA

I believe that it is required of us to produce a robust, if not necessarily perfect, political agreement.

If we cannot manage that, then we will not have fulfilled our responsibilities as world leaders. What a disgrace to the world indeed.

It is extremely important for each country to leave their egoism aside and work together for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

The world is watching. We are closer than ever to the world's first truly global agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Just hours remain to close these final gaps. I implore you to seize this opportunity.

DANISH PRIME MINISTER LARS LOEKKE RASMUSSEN

We stand before one of these rare and defining moments in history. We must chart the course of the future of the planet.

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ

The meeting has not been a success. It has been a failure. We are leaving knowing that it wasn't possible to have an agreement here in Copenhagen.

LESOTHO PRIME MINISTER BETHUEL PAKALITHA MOSISLI (ON BEHALF OF LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES)

To say we're disappointed is indeed an understatement, particularly that after 24 months of hard negotiations and the intensive deliberations of this conference, an agreement could not be reached on a legally-binding regime.

Although we would have preferred a legally-binding agreement, the political statement or accord that is being developed is a compromise we can all live with.

MALDIVES ENVIRONMENT MINISTER MOHAMED ASLAM

In Copenhagen the best we can expect is a political declaration. We're very disappointed.

We didn't come here all this way to not agree anything.