The COP28 UN climate conference in Dubai is entering its final day on Tuesday. Attention is focused on whether delegates can reach an agreement after a draft deal that fell short of mentioning a phasing out of fossil fuels met opposition from island nations and others.

The draft was put forward by the hosts from the United Arab Emirates on Monday. It calls for "reducing" fossil fuels but does not mention their "phaseout," a step sought by Western countries and island nations.

A government official of the Pacific island nation of Palau said the draft is unacceptable. The official called for a new draft text, saying a phaseout of fossil fuels is absolutely necessary.

Japan's Environment Minister Ito Shintaro said it is important to aim for an accord in line with the Group of Seven countries' agreement to phase out fossil fuels for which there are not sufficient measures to reduce emissions.

Ito also said Japan will make its utmost efforts to aim for an agreement by overcoming differences in each country's positions and opinions.

The host UAE says it will release a new draft document on Tuesday, suggesting the conference can be extended beyond the original schedule.