Merkel unsure if G8 will yield climate breakthrough

BERLIN, May 24 (Reuters) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today, she was unsure whether an upcoming G8 summit would lay the groundwork for an extension of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

''It is important that the G8 develops a common understanding how climate change can be tackled and what agreements can be made for the period beyond 2012. I dont know if we will succeed in that at Heiligendamm,'' Merkel said in a speech to the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament.

She also said she believed a breakthrough on the stalled Doha round of trade talks was still possible.

Merkel will host a meeting of Group of Eight (G8) leaders in the Baltic resort of Heiligendamm on June 6-8 that is expected to focus on climate change, fostering growth in Africa and global economic cooperation.

Reuters CS VV1330