UN envoys launch crisis talks on reform plans

US Ambassador John Bolton, who had put forward more than 500 amendments or deletions to a 39-page draft text, submitted several letters, including ones on development and terrorism, explaining the US position.

"I'm optimistic that we have all the proposed amendments out on the table and we can engage in negotiations," Bolton told reporters during a break in the talks. "That's what they pay us to do."

But time is short and diplomats said conclusions would have to be reached this week so the document, which has been under discussion for six months, could be translated and submitted to more than 170 world leaders expected to attend the September 14-16 summit.

The session, called by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, is aimed at revitalising the United Nations and approving new approaches to world issues in the 21st century.

The definition of terrorism, which has been discussed for eight years so it can be included in a binding treaty, is so contentious that Monday's meeting broke up into an evening sub-group to discuss it. The main thrust would be to outlaw attacks against civilians.

Bolton, in a letter to ambassadors, said the text should not "address military activities that are appropriately governed by international humanitarian law," an apparent reference to US soldiers in Iraq or Israeli armed forces.

But Arab nations and others insist the definition exclude the Palestinian struggle against Israel and include action of armed forces against civilians.