Landmark climate deal unveiled in Paris

A draft climate pact hammered out after two weeks of intensive talks would prove to be an "historic turning point," French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Saturday.

The "final draft" of a pact would be legally binding, Fabius added in Paris at a press conference that included United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

This new draft of the accord would require all countries to take steps to reduce emissions and help each other cope with climate change. Organizers are hoping to reach a final international accord sometime Saturday.

Ban made an impassioned entreaty to world diplomats negotiating the accord.