Last minute efforts were underway last night to rescue the UN world conference against racism in South Africa, which remained divided on the contentious issues of the Middle East and slavery and colonialism.
With less than 24 hours to reach agreement, pressure was growing on negotiators to resolve inter-state stand-offs.
It is expected the summit of 170 states will not finish today as scheduled but will continue into tomorrow, with states holding out to the last minute on both contentious issues.
The mood among delegates at the International Convention Centre remained cautious last night, according to one diplomatic source.
The conference suffered a severe setback last Monday with the withdrawal of the United States and Israel in protest at "hateful" references in early draft conference documents to Israel's "racist" treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories.
The walkout midway through the event was a significant blow to the UN goal of producing a landmark global charter to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
The references to the Middle East which prompted the walk out have been withdrawn and a new proposed text drafted by the conference host, South Africa, was finalised yesterday.
European delegates were not expected to give a definitive response to this "make or break" compromise text until other contentious issues relating to slavery and colonialism were resolved.
There were indications last night that Arab and Islamic countries were rejecting the draft document and might attempt to table further amendments when it goes before the plenary session of the conference for final ratification today or tomorrow. European sources said that despite problems with the document, the EU would likely endorse it, but only if the Arabs accept it eventually and progress was made on the outstanding issues on slavery and colonialism.
"If the Arabs agree to the Middle East paper it would put incredible pressure on the EU," said one source.
The Middle East paper does not contain the controversial language criticising Israel that appeared in the initial version. Instead it expresses concern for the "plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation". It also includes recognition of the "inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to the establishment of an independent state".
The conference president, the South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamina-Zuma, began work last night on a compromise paper on the historical issues of slavery and colonialism due to be published today. This will be based on proposals drafted by Brazil following widespread consultations. The Brazilian draft paper, which has been seen by The Irish Times, is unacceptable to European former colonial countries as it calls for apologies for slavery and recognises colonialism as a crime against humanity.
African states have pressed for these concessions, but former colonial states including Britain have said they are willing to express regret or sorrow for slavery and colonialism, but will not apologise as this could lead to compensation claims.