Countries taking part in a UN climate change conference in Denmark are looking to a meeting of leaders later this month to advance a solution to cuts in carbon emissions, a senior Russian delegate said.

The first three days of the United Nations-sponsored conference in the Danish capital of Copenhagen have so far failed to produce a plan to fight global warming.

Oleg Shamanov, head of the Foreign Ministry's environment department, said negotiators, especially developing nations had expectations that were "too high."

"Their positions have been very tough. They want guarantees of financial and technology investments before they undertake obligations to fight climate change," Shamanov said. "But industrialized nations do not want to take financial commitments without knowing to what extent emerging economies will be committed to the efforts. It is a vicious circle."

"Eyes are on a ministerial meeting that will begin on December 16 and a meeting of the heads of state and government, which must try to cut this knot. A political decision is obviously needed to agree on mutually acceptable solutions," he said.

The Kyoto Protocol, a legally binding agreement restricting carbon emissions, expires in 2012. A new deal is needed to continue efforts beyond 2012.

Differences between developed and developing economies have been exacerbated by accusations that climate researchers may have hidden evidence downplaying the impact of greenhouse gases on human health and the environment.

MOSCOW, December 11 (RIA Novosti)