Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this afternoon welcomed the address by US President Obama at the Copenhagen climate change conference.

Speaking to the press, Dr Gonzi said heads of government and negotiators would be working through the night on a draft agreement.

He explained that while the EU was being represented by its top leaders, other “crucial” stakeholders were not being similarly represented by their top political officials.

If a substantive non-binding political agreement with clear targets and deadlines were to be reached, it would still be a very good win, he said.

Asked about Mr Obama’s speech, which sections of the international press described as “lacklustre” and “nothing new”, Dr Gonzi said it was a “good” one.

“He is right, we are not here to make speeches, but to take decisions – the EU has done this, I hope the others follow suit.”

He added that America had its own circumstances which had to be understood, but to reach a deal everyone had to make compromises. He stressed that any agreement must ensure checks and balances as well as comparability across the board. Those who were burdening themselves with giving out financial support needed to know the money would be well-spent, and those reducing emissions needed to know others were doing so too. Dr Gonzi said he would remain hopeful until the end, but while certain speeches were encouraging, others were disheartening. However, he refused to say which speeches he disagreed with. He added that there had been mention of continuing the negotiations in Mexico next year, or, in Bonn sooner.

“But when these things are mentioned it is as if we are resigning ourselves to fail,” he said.